'An exploration of the levels of clinical autonomy of advanced nurse practitioners': A narrative literature review

APN nurses' core competencies for general clinical health assessment in primary health care. A scoping review

BACKGROUND

The field of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) has developed over the past six decades. However, the definition of roles and responsibilities of APN nurses seem to be contested due to both a lack of a clear definition of the concept and to institutional and cultural barriers that restrict the nurses' opportunities to practise to the full extent of their competencies.

AIM

The objective of this scoping review was to identify, examine and conceptually map the available literature on APN nurses' core competencies for general health assessment in primary health care.

METHOD

We performed a scoping review, following the methodological guidance for reporting as it is described by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Furthermore, the PRISMA-ScR statement and checklist for reporting scoping reviews were followed. Guiding the initial process for the search, we used the Population, Concept and Context mnemonic (PCC) to clarify the focus and context of the review.

RESULTS

We found three areas of core competencies on which APN nurse draw in performing general health assessments in primary health care: (1) 'Collaborative, leadership and management skills' (2) 'Person-centred nursing care skills' and (3) 'Academic and educational skills'. Furthermore, we found that the three areas are interrelated, because it is crucial that APN nurses draw on collaborative competencies related to leadership and management to meet the service users' needs and deliver high-quality and person-centred care.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for a more specific investigation into how APN nurses' core competencies play a role during general health assessments of patients in primary care. We suggest an evaluation of what works for whom in what circumstances looking into the interrelation between competencies, skills and knowledge when an APN nurse performs a general health assessment in a primary healthcare setting.

Clinical decision-making processes among graduate nurses, specialist nurses and nurse practitioners A collaborative international study

AIM

To explore clinical decision-making by comparing the processes used by three groups of nurses in the emergency departments of three hospitals: in Norway, Finland and Ireland.

BACKGROUND

Clinical decision-making in an emergency department environment is a complex process often occurring in times of crisis. It is an important aspect contributing to the quality of care. However, empirical research is limited regarding the decision-making process in different nursing roles.

METHODS

In accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research, a qualitative and observational study was conducted to explore clinical decision-making by comparing the processes used by three groups of nurses in the emergency departments of three hospitals: in Norway, Finland and Ireland. Six Registered Nurses, six Nurse Specialists and six Nurse Practitioners were observed. A total of 40 hours of observation was made at each setting according to a structured observation guideline, followed by clarifying questions. The data material was analysed by means of a qualitative manifest and latent content analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes arose: acting in accordance with routines, previous experience and intuition; considering patient experience; and facilitating new alternatives based on critical thinking. The Registered Nurses mainly used the first approach, the Nurse Specialists used the first and the second approaches, and the Nurse Practitioners used all three approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the differences in decision-making processes between these groups. Nurse Practitioners were the only group that facilitated and evaluated new alternatives using their clinical autonomy, such as stepping up and making independent and collaborative decision-making.

IMPLICATION

The results can be used in countries developing advanced practice nursing education and defining their scope of practice to inform stakeholders.

Factors Influencing the impact of nurse practitioners' clinical autonomy: a self determining perspective

AIM

To explore factors that influence the impact of nurse practitioners' clinical autonomy with a self-determining perspective.

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, there is a significant demand for healthcare professionals such as the nurse practitioner in meeting some healthcare needs across patients' lifespans. Factors influencing nurse practitioners clinical autonomy can impact the full utilisation of the role in practice.

INTRODUCTION

Limited evidence exists that describes or researches nurse practitioner clinical autonomy. Instead, there is a focus in the literature on strategic debates, role confusion and nurse practitioners reporting the straddling between nursing, allied heath professionals and medicine in the provision of healthcare services.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study design was used in a purposive sample in a national sample of nurse practitioners in Ireland across a full range of healthcare settings. Additionally, the survey included open comments sections to capture qualitative comments by the nurse practitioners themselves.

METHODS

Self-determination theory is rooted in an organismic dialectical stance. This study used a convenience sample of n = 148 from a total sample of n = 448 (33%) of the population. The Dempster Practice Behavioural Scale and an initially validated advanced nursing practice clinical autonomy scale were used. Open comments were analysed by thematic analysis. STROBE Standards guidelines for cross-sectional studies were followed, and COREQ guidelines were followed for writing qualitative research.

RESULTS

The study findings demonstrated that the more clinical experience the nurse practitioner had, the higher their levels of clinical autonomy. The previous length of nursing experience did not impact nurse practitioner clinical autonomy levels. However, average experience of nurse practitioner' in this study was 3-10 years. No significant differences existed between the reported gender, nurse practitioners' clinical autonomy and decision-making. 1:40 female and 1:9 male nurse practitioners undertook a doctorate or PhD-level education. No advanced nurse practitioner identified as non-binary. Gender and organisational culture considerations can influence nurse practitioners clinical autonomy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

This study highlights intrinsic motivators that support nurse practitioners in providing innovative healthcare: competence, relatedness and clinical autonomy. Countries credentialing, regulations professional standards and healthcare policy positively influence nurse practitioner clinical autonomy. Nurse practitioners' clinical autonomy is championed when health policy and organisational stakeholders intrinsically collaborate. A disconnect between health policy organisational culture extrinsically influences lower levels of nurse practitioners' clinical autonomy.

CONCLUSION

The findings underline the positive impact of nurse practitioner clinical autonomy. A recommendation of this study is to continue to measure impact of clinical autonomy and develop nurse practitioners' self-determination strategies around the role and integrity of their levels of intrinsic clinical autonomy.

The effect of sex, age, work experience, education, shift, and ward on nursing autonomy perceptions

BACKGROUND

In Italy, cultural and professional nursing improvements are reached thanks to the university-based education which marks the clinical competency and the professional autonomy in nursing decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

To highlight how Italian nurses perceived their nursing autonomy level in the main action-points highlighted in the Italian regulation law according to sex, age, work experience, education, shift and ward.

METHODS

A cohort explorative study was carried out from September 2022 to January 2023 to highlight how Italian nurses perceived their nursing autonomy levels in the main action-points highlighted in the Italian regulation law for the nursing profession according to demographic characteristics, like: gender, age, work of experience, education, shift, ward employment.

RESULTS

A total of 403 nurses were enrolled. Significant differences were recorded in: decision-making authority in patient care and shift (p≤0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.045); ability to initiate nursing interventions and education (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.011); collaboration and communication with healthcare team members and education (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.010); independence in clinical judgment and critical thinking and shift (p < 0.001); responsibility for the planning and evaluation of nursing care and education (p = 0.005) and shift (p = 0.002) and ward employment (p = 0.013); autonomy in professional development and continuing education and shift (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlighted the intricate world both of the healthcare surrounding and the abilities to act autonomously within the multiprofessional staff. Future studies will develop qualitative and phenomenological designs in order to better define in which fields nurses will act their professional autonomy.

Development of a competency framework for advanced practice nurses: A co-design process

AIMS

The aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive competency framework for advanced practice nurses in Belgium.

DESIGN

A co-design development process was conducted.

METHODS

This study consisted of two consecutive stages (November 2020-December 2021): (1) developing a competency framework for advanced practice nurses in Belgium by the research team, based on literature and (2) group discussions or interviews with and written feedback from key stakeholders. 11 group discussions and seven individual interviews were conducted with various stakeholder groups with a total of 117 participants.

RESULTS

A comprehensive competency framework containing 31 key competencies and 120 enabling competencies was developed based on the Canadian Medical Education Directions for Specialists Competency Framework. These competencies were grouped into seven roles: clinical expert and therapist, organizer of quality care and leader in innovation, professional and clinical leader, collaborator, researcher, communicator and health promoter.

CONCLUSION

The developed competency framework has resemblance to other international frameworks. This framework emphasized the independent role of the advanced practice nurse and provided guidance in a clear task division and delegation to other professionals. It can provide a solid foundation for delivering high-quality, patient-centred care by advanced practice nurses in the years to come.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION

This competency framework can guide further development of advanced practice nursing education in Belgium and represents a starting point for future evaluation of its feasibility and usability in education and clinical practice. Advanced practice nurses and healthcare managers can also use the framework as an instrument for personal and professional development, performance appraisal, and further alignment of these function profiles in clinical practice. Finally, this framework can inform and guide policymakers towards legal recognition of advanced practice nursing in Belgium and inspire the development of advanced practice nursing profiles in countries where these profiles are still emerging.

IMPACT

What problem did the study address? The absence of a detailed competency framework for advanced practice nurses complicates legal recognition, role clarification and implementation in practice in Belgium. A rigorously developed competency framework could clarify which competencies to integrate in future advanced practice nursing education, mentorship programs and practice. What were the main findings? The competency framework outlined seven roles for advanced practice nurses: clinical expert and therapist, organizer of quality care and leader in innovation, professional and clinical leader, collaborator, researcher, communicator, and health promoter. Differentiation from other expert nursing profiles and clinical autonomy of advanced practice nurses were pivotal. Where and on whom will the research have impact? The comprehensive competency framework for advanced practice nurses and the collaborative methodology used can inspire other countries where these profiles are still emerging. The competency framework can be used as an instrument for role clarification, performance appraisals, continuous professional development, and professional (e-)portfolios. The competency framework can guide policymakers when establishing Belgian's legal framework for advanced practice nurses.

REPORTING METHOD

The authors have adhered to CONFERD-HP: recommendations for reporting COmpeteNcy FramEwoRk Development in health professions.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution in the design of the study. A patient advisory panel commented on the developed competency framework.

Effect of Nurses’ Autonomy Levels and Problem-Solving Skills on Job Satisfaction

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of nurses’ autonomy levels and problem-solving skills on job satisfaction and was conducted in public, private and university hospital between July and September 2021. Methods: This descriptive and relational – screening study was conducted with 278 nurses. Data were collected through the Socio-demographic Form, the Problem-Solving Inventory, the Sociotrophy-Autonomy Scale, and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MJSQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 programs using numbers, percentages, minimum/maximum values, means, and standard deviation values. Results: Modern mediation analysis findings performed using the Bootstrap method showed that the indirect effect of the autonomy score on the overall satisfaction score with the mediation of the problem-solving skills was significant (p< .05). Conclusion: Problem-solving skills were found to have a partial mediating role in the effect of nurses’ autonomy levels on their job satisfaction.