title: The development of the advanced role of rural nurses in New Zealand.
abstract: This paper offers an informative insight into the development of the advanced role of rural nursing practice in New Zealand. Provided is a futuristic vision of nurses' contribution for the provision of primary rural health care. The concept of advanced nursing practice will be discussed within the context of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. It is argued that as nurses take on advanced practice, it is essential they receive appropriate clinical and theoretical skills to ensure they are in a position to provide competent and clinically safe, effective health care in an ethical, efficient manner. A description of a survey, undertaken by the author, studying rural nurses' skills provides the recommendation for the development of an appropriate postgraduate course at Masters level, designed specifically for primary rural nurses for the advanced role. The provision of this advanced education together with preparation and support, can pave the way for the highly skilled and knowledgeable nurses of the future working in collaboration with the interdisciplinary rural healthcare team and rural community.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and General Practice, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand. jean.ross@chmeds.ac.nz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009520:New Zealand; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration; D011320:Primary Health Care; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D019035:Rural Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce