Advanced Practice Nurses: A Global Overview of Education

The education of advanced practice nurses (APN) varies from country to country but is based upon the underlying concept of providing a level of skills and educational preparation above those of the general nurse. Nurse practitioners (NP) and clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are included in the umbrella title of APN but have varied roles that will be described individually within this chapter. While other advanced practice roles (e.g., midwives and certified registered nurse anaesthetists) are recognised in some countries and specifically covered in this text, this chapter focuses on the two APN roles found in many countries. Throughout this chapter we will provide an overview of advanced practice education, followed by exemplars of APN educational components and characteristics for specific countries. This chapter will also provide a discussion of the International Council of Nurses Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse (INC NP/APN) Network’s educational subgroup and their role in APN competency development.