title: Integrating nurse researchers in clinical practice - a challenging, but necessary task for nurse leaders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To create awareness among nurse leaders, of what they may need to consider, when integrating nurse researchers as advanced nurse practitioners (ANP) at PhD-level among their staff.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In a time of transition nurse leaders may be challenged by the change towards evidence-based clinical nursing, including integrating nurse researchers in ANP positions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A collective case study including three ANPs took place at a large regional hospital in Denmark. The cases were first analysed by focusing on the generic features, functions and skills of ANPs, and second by focusing on the approaches to evidence-based practice seen in the cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regardless of same position, formal level of research expertise and overall responsibility, different approaches related to each ANPs professional profile, interest, academic ambitions and personality were seen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurse leaders must ensure a process where the content and expectations of the particular role are mutually clarified and adjusted to the individual ANP and to the specific context, in order to create a harmonious match.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to clarify expectations regarding the inclusion of nurse researchers as ANPs at PhD level, the paper provides firm recommendations that may guide the process.
authors.affiliation: Roskilde-Køge Hospitals and The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Bibi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hølge-Hazelton
authors.affiliation: Haematological Unit for Nursing Research, Department of Haematology, Roskilde - Køge Hospitals, Roskilde, Denmark.
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kjerholt
authors.affiliation: Section of Nursing Institute of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Connie Bøttcher
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Berthelsen
authors.affiliation: Roskilde and Køge Hospitals and Institute of Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, Roskilde, Denmark.
authors.forename: Thora Grothe
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Thomsen
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D019091:Critical Pathways / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003718:Denmark; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D024802:Nurse's Role; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Advanced Nurse Practioners evidence-based practice; Changing roles; nursing leadership; organisational culture; role clarity