Advanced Nursing Research

Biography

Biography: Katrin Blanck-Köster

Abstract

Problem Statement: In 2030, 37% (28.5 million) of the population in Germany will be 60 years and older. With increasing age, the need for nursing and health care services also increases. The health care professions must deal with this need for care and design adequate and needs-based care processes. Based on international concepts, this requires the development of innovative, responsible roles in nursing, supported by the concept of Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP). In Germany, nursing experts based on Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) have been trained at universities since 2007 (M.Sc.). Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) have special competencies in a specific area of direct clinical patient care and support and empower both health professionals and patients and their families. In this context, clinical leadership by ANPs plays an important role, challenging existing management structures and requiring a redistribution of tasks. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe how clinical leadership is represented in the international development process of Advanced Nursing Practice. Methods: literature search in electronic databases, library catalogs, hand search (April 2019-January 2020). Methods: Scoping Review. Findings: Defining Advanced Practice Nurses under a clear term still seems to be difficult and there is a lack of legal regulations in Germany. Although there are differences in countries' care structures, degree of academization, and professionalization of nurses, advanced practice nurses in an international context can be associated with the role of an expert, consultant, clinical leader, and researcher for clinical care areas with specialized competencies. Clinical leadership competencies are gaining attention in international studies and can be described and made visible in clinical practice based on leadership models, the APN role, and leadership domains. For clinical leadership competencies to be effective in nursing processes, there needs to be broad support in the interprofessional team, structural support from the organization, and legal legitimacy. Internationally, there are successful examples that implement interprofessional care with partnership-based sharing of health care between different professional groups. Clinical leadership competencies are reflected in the studies in that APNs independently manage treatment processes in complex care settings, influence, develop and implement change strategies, consult/coach/educate, collaborate, and liaise with management. Conclusion and Significance: Leadership is understood to be context-specific and must be considered in personal, professional, and organizational contexts. Organizations must define the need for expanded, deepened, and specialized nursing practice and invest in new roles. Recommendation: More studies describing clinical leadership and its effectiveness in hospitals are needed in the future