What is Hamric's definition of advanced practice nursing?

Hamric's definition of advanced practice nursing emphasizes the patient-focused application of an expanded range of competencies. This perspective highlights how advanced practice nurses utilize their enhanced knowledge, skills, and experience to improve patient care outcomes. It acknowledges that advanced practice nursing encompasses a variety of roles, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, all of which require a comprehensive understanding of clinical practice, patient interaction, and healthcare systems.

This definition is significant because it points to the holistic approach advanced practice nurses take in their roles, which includes not just clinical competencies but also decision-making abilities, critical thinking, and the capacity to implement evidence-based care tailored to individual patient needs. Hence, the focus is on achieving optimal patient outcomes through sophisticated and adaptable nursing practices that go beyond fundamental nursing responsibilities.

In contrast, other definitions that either narrow the scope of advanced practice nursing to theoretical approaches or limit it solely to administrative tasks do not capture the full range of skills and patient interactions integral to advanced practice nursing. Similarly, restricting the practice exclusively to clinical settings ignores the diverse roles and settings in which advanced practice nurses can effectively operate.