title: Extending a nurse practitioner's role to include the undertaking of advanced procedures.
abstract: This article outlines an initiative to develop an ophthalmic nurse practitioner's role to carry out YAG laser peripheral iridotomy. It details the training and competency assessment needed to extend this role, and the results of an initial audit. Advice for trusts planning similar projects is also given.
authors.affiliation: City University London and Moorfields Eye Hospital.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gibbons
authors.forename: Rupert R A
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Bourne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom