title: The role of practice development nurses in Malta.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop an understanding of the role of practice development nurses in Malta and to identify any barriers or opportunities associated with this role.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exploratory single case study methodology was used. Ten of the total population of 11 practice development nurses agreed to participate in the study. Participants were twice interviewed in person about their understanding of the role. Data were analysed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main themes identified were: professional growth through lifelong learning, leadership in a changing practice environment and fostering research-based clinical practice. Participants reported that ambiguities associated with their role, role conflict and unclear hospital infrastructure were barriers to executing their role effectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healthcare organisations should create an appropriate working environment that supports practice development nurses and clearly distinguishes their responsibilities and authority. Practice development nurses should become more socio-economically and politically focused to enable them to function strategically and effectively in their clinical working environment.
authors.affiliation: Operating theatres, St James Hospital, Sliema, Malta.|Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.|Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malta, Malta.
authors.forename: Elmira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Petrova
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malta, Malta.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Camilleri
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008319:Malta; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D017009:Professional Autonomy
keywords: advanced practice; barriers to practice; evidence-based research; leadership; nursing roles; practice development; work-based learning