The completion of this research project to develop
generic standards for nurse practitioners in Australia
and New Zealand is a beginning. The introduction of
these competencies needs to be staged using an extensive
dissemination and feedback strategy. Following implementation,
there needs to be a comprehensive evaluation
using a rigorous methodology incorporating wideranging
consultation with stakeholders including consumers,
employers and the other members of the multidisciplinary
health-care team as well as the nurse
practitioners themselves and those who educate and
accredit them. Finally, in addition to establishing a
research-informed basis for regulation, education and
practice at national level, this study has contributed to
the global debate on nurse practitioner competencies.