Prescribing panel – a global discussion

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and advance practice nurses (APNs) are the lifeblood of health systems across the globe. However, models of care and legislation that set the boundaries of the APN and NP role differ considerably.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and advance practice nurses (APNs) are the lifeblood of health systems across the globe. However, models of care and legislation that set the boundaries of the APN and NP role differ considerably.

Some countries, such as the UK, rely heavily on the services of NPs and APNs, who often practise autonomously in nurse-led services. Other countries, such as Australia, are still drawing up the blueprint that will support greater collaboration between health care professionals and ensure NPs play a central role in hospitals, aged care, rural services and primary health care.

Whatever the national understanding of the role of the NP and APN, there are some inherent aspects of these roles that cross international borders and that characterise and differentiate this stratum of nurses. One of these aspects is the right to prescribe.

That’s why, despite systemic and operational differences, it is viable to feature a panel forum at the 6th International INP/APNN Conference on Prescribing principles and issues: a global discussion.

The expert panel, which will include Ms Rosemary Bryant FRCNA, Australia’s Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, and Ms Petrie Roodbol of the Netherlands, and Chair of the ICN INP/APN Network, will lead the discussion that will offer a rare insight into the similarities, differences and unique challenges faced by NPs and APNs by the nurses who work in these diverse health care systems across the globe.

Get the news delivered straight to your inbox

Receive the top stories in our weekly newsletter Sign up now