Advanced practice nursing: A principle-based concept analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze and clarify the conceptual basis of advanced practice nursing to determine the state of the knowledge from the perspective of four overarching principles derived from the philosophy of science: epistemological, pragmatic, linguistic, and logical.


METHODS
Written discourse regarding advanced practice nursing from refereed journals published between 2000 and 2007.


CONCLUSIONS
Conceptualization of a core definition of advanced practice nursing will enhance external legitimacy and recognition; understanding advanced practice nurse (APN) roles, sub-roles, and competencies will enhance internal cohesion. The outcome of this concept analysis is a greater understanding of the conceptual basis of advanced practice nursing and a current best estimate of the probable truth surrounding advanced practice nursing.


CONCLUSIONS
A greater understanding of the conceptual basis of advanced practice nursing will help to gain clarity, internal cohesion, external legitimacy, and acceptance of APN roles by society and other healthcare professions.
Ruel
Jennifer
J
jenfnp@sbcglobal.net
Motyka
Carrie
C
D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008037:Linguistics; D008128:Logic; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009742:Nursing Theory