Developing the scope of practice and education for advanced practice nurses in Finland.
BACKGROUND
The reorganization of Finnish healthcare services has required a restructuring of the areas of responsibility between healthcare professionals.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the need for Advanced Practice Nurses in Finland and the development process of a Master's programme in Health Promotion, Advanced Clinical Care.


METHODS
The study consisted of a survey of nurse managers (24) and focus group interviews with clinical nurse specialists (46).


RESULTS
The expanded role includes advanced clinical skills and responsibility for health prevention and promotion, education, supervision, leadership, research and development.


CONCLUSIONS
The legislation, scope and models have to be supported and further developed to promote the full scope of advanced practice.
Fagerström
L
L
Svenska yrkeshögskolan University of Applied Sciences, Vaasa, Finland. lisbeth.fagerstrom@hibu.no
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000451:nursing; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000451:nursing; D003479:Curriculum; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005387:Finland; D017144:Focus Groups; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000523:psychology*; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011361:Professional Competence; D016730:Program Development; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires