What is the role of an advanced nurse practitioner (ANP)?

5 key points

1. There is little research on what advanced nurse practitioners actually do in acute medical wards
2. ANPs can be a vital link between medical and nursing teams
3. Their familiarity with the hospital and networking skills mean ANPs can be an information and communication resource for staff at all grades
4. There is a risk that having an ANP on the ward could be deskilling, reducing the need for ward nurses to use their initiative and develop their own skills
5. ANPs often have to meet competing demands and, in some cases, overcome the antagonism of colleagues

Let’s discuss

In this research ANPs are described as lynchpins on wards in which they work. Outline the evidence used to support this argument.

• Why does a structured definition of the ANP role go against the notion of professional autonomy?
• Why do the ANPs in this study feel that their Master’s degree had not adequately prepared them for their clinical role?
• Why is there a risk that the ANP role could deskill ward nurses?