The Development of Advanced Practice Nursing Internationally
In honor of International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, hear from AANP Fellow Madrean Schober, PhD, MSN, BGS, APN, FAANP, president of Schober Global Healthcare Consulting, on her work with the International Council of Nurses (ICN):
“The emergence of advanced practice nursing (APN) is occurring worldwide. As a nurse practitioner (NP) and international health care consultant for the past 20 years, I have found that observing the progress and growth of this field of nursing has been a dynamic experience.
“In the capacity of consultant, I have had the privilege and opportunity to support and participate in initiatives in more than 40 countries as they investigate and implement new nursing roles for their health care systems. In addition, publications that I have authored are utilized by students, faculty, nursing leaders and key decision-makers as they discuss strategies for APN role development. Universities in the United States also refer to publications I have authored as advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) programs increasingly inform their students of the global emergence of APN.
“Most recently, I was the lead author for the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Guidelines on Advanced Practice Nursing 2020. My position as expert advisor to ICN continues with the development of ICN’s international guidelines for nurse anesthetists and nurse prescribing.
“As a mentor and coach, I continue to support and guide master’s degree students in France as the country launches APN programs. In addition, I provide external expertise for PhD students in Ireland, Japan and Singapore. My ongoing support as an external advisor continues in Pakistan, Oman, China and Africa. The Anglo African Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa is using the Conceptual Policy Framework for Advanced Practice Nursing, based on my research, as a foundation from which to launch family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs in African countries.
“It is fulfilling to participate in and continue to support APN development worldwide as nursing leaders and governmental officials assess the strategies needed to launch new nursing roles. Not only are APNs improving access to health care services globally, but they are contributing to a maturing of the nursing profession by enhancing the professional image of nursing.”
Guidelines on Advanced Practice Nursing
Learn more about the very first APN guidelines, published by ICN in April 2020! According to ICN:
“[...] the guidelines aim to provide a clearer and more common understanding of the components of APN to key stakeholders, the public and other health care professionals. They assist countries in the development of policies, frameworks and strategies that will support APN initiatives around the globe.”
Join the Celebration: International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife
The World Health Assembly has designated 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is committed to building awareness of the role of nurses and APRNs and is working to develop the next generation of nursing leaders through training and leadership opportunities. AANP is pleased to announce its participation and encourages you to get involved!