The global challenge of advanced practice nursing: a call for standardization and recognition
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.5965Keywords:
Advanced Practice Nursing, Legislation, Nursing, Nursing Staff, Specialties, Nursing, Primary Care NursingAbstract
Highlights
- APN is experiencing a crisis of disciplinary identity due to the adoption of medical models, necessitating the urgent standardization of the role within its own and unique theoretical framework to validate its holistic approach.
- APN is a strategic investment with a proven return: it reduces morbidity and mortality in chronic conditions and generates economic savings, solidifying its value as a driver of efficiency within the healthcare system
- The accelerated development of the role in the Latin American region is considered a public health imperative to address challenges in accessibility, quality, and safety of care.
- To formalize and maximize APN contribution, unified nursing leadership and the creation of specific legislation are needed to clearly define its components and responsibilities at global and regional levels.
Expansion and definition of advanced practice nursing
Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) originated in the United States in the 1950s as a response to emerging healthcare needs. Its inception focused on improving child health indicators in the rural and hard to-reach areas of Colorado. To achieve this, the development of APN involved training nurses to expand their autonomy, allowing them to provide comprehensive primary health care. This included advanced competencies such as diagnosing conditions, prescribing treatments (including medications), and a focus on health prevention and promotion, surpassing the traditional competencies of nursing1. Figure 1 for the introduction of APN over time.
How to cite this article: Rojas Lyda Z, Mendoza-Quiñonez Angie Cristina, Mora Rico Liliana Andrea. The global challenge of advanced practice nursing: a call for standardization and recognition. Revista Cuidarte. 2026;17(1):e5965. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.5965
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