Characteristics and role functions of advanced practice nurses in a tertiary pediatric setting

Abstract

Issues and purpose: To describe the characteristics and role functions of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in a tertiary pediatric setting.

Design and methods: This descriptive survey design used a convenience sample (N = 39) of APNs at The Children's Hospital in Denver. A 56-item survey asked participants to define their role by rating how often they performed various primary and specialty care functions.

Results: Findings validated the notion that APNs combine expert knowledge and practice skills into a holistic framework to provide sick children and their families with a full range of comprehensive services across a variety of settings. APNs work collaboratively with physicians and other professionals and are an excellent resource for students.

Practice implications: Describing and characterizing how APNs contribute to and enhance the delivery of care help to clarify and authenticate the scope of practice of the pediatric acute care APN.