Advanced practice nursing: reflections on the past, issues for the future.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive historical review of advanced practice nursing, describe the development of the professional role of oncology advanced practice nurses (APNs), and document the current status of major issues.


METHODS
Published articles, research findings, position papers and statements, conference proceedings, books, newsletters, newspaper articles, executive summaries, standards and guidelines, and personal communications.


RESULTS
The oncology APN role has evolved over the past 100 years in response to the healthcare needs of society and available educational opportunities. Trends in health care and education continue to influence the expansion of the professional APN role.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology APNs are prepared to practice in a variety of roles, providing expert clinical, educational, emotional, and supportive care to patients with cancer. Several major professional issues have been identified and addressed. Oncology APNs must document the influence of expert nursing care on patient outcomes and organizational efficiency.
Murphy-Ende
Kathleen
K
School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, USA. km.ende@hosp.wisc.edu
D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D014481:United States