Conclusion

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) (2020) defines the advanced practice nurse (APN) as one who is able to make complex clinical decisions through the application of advanced nursing education, advanced clinical competencies, and expert knowledge shaped by the context of their practice setting and country. APNs globally may practice in various settings, from rural to urban, with disadvantaged, privileged, healthy, ill, and disabled populations. While the main focus of APNs lies in the provision of evidence-based direct clinical patient care, they are also leaders in healthcare administration, policy advocacy, education, research, and data-driven decision-making. APNs provide health care to people, families, and communities across all settings. Embracing APNs fully is key to achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) and alleviating the negative effects of social determinants of health (SDoH). APNs, specifically, have been at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding their roles as needed to meet rapidly changing population health needs and providing critical access to APN-led models of care, including performing pandemic testing, triage, and management both in acute care and community care settings. Since the pandemic, telehealth and digital health solutions, often developed by APNs, have been at the forefront of healthcare delivery, demonstrating a strong willingness to be responsive to care needs and the adaptability of the role.