A comparative review of advanced practice nurse programmes in the Nordic and Baltic countries

Funding Information: The development of the role of APNs and their education is supported by the International Council of Nurses' (ICN) definition of the APN. The ICN defines an APN as a ‘generalist or specialised nurse who has acquired, through additional graduate education (minimum of a master's degree), the expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills and clinical competencies for Advanced Nursing Practice.’ ( ICN, 2020 ) The characteristics of the advanced practice are shaped by the context in which nurses are credentialed to practice. According to ICN, the two most commonly identified APN roles are clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and nurse practitioner (NP). Even though the definition from ICN on what level APNs should get their education and training at is a valuable step in developing global standards for the APN role, as common identified standards for APNs is lacking. Publisher Copyright: © 2023BACKGROUND: Advanced practice nurses (APNs) programs are career-development opportunities significant for nursing workforce retention as well as for the quality of patient care. Inconsistency regarding policy, education, titles, scope of practice, skills and competencies have been identified as major challenges in developing advanced practice nursing in Europe. APN roles and education are under development in the Nordic and Baltic countries. However, there is a lack of information on the current state in this region. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to compare APN programs in the Nordic and Baltic countries to identify their commonalities and differences. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive comparative study reviewed seven master's level APN programs in six Nordic and Baltic countries. Data was extracted from the programme by the expert teachers or leaders of the programmes (N = 9). Competencies recommended in the European Tuning Project (ETP) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) guidelines on advanced practice nursing, were used to evaluate the programs. The same informants provided additional information on the current state of APN education in the country. RESULTS: The admission requirements were similar in the six countries but in two, clinical work experience is an entry requirement. There are two commonly identified APN roles: clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and nurse practitioner (NP). Most of the programs included all the EPT and ICN competencies. The main differences regarded prescribing competencies. All programmes included clinical training, but the methods on how it is implemented varies. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that APN programs in the Nordic and Baltic countries correspond with the recommendations of the European Tuning Project and ICN guidelines. This is an important message for administrators, policymakers, and politicians, as well as the nursing community, on providing opportunities for APNs to practice to their full potential within each country as well as cross-country. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: "APN programmes in the Nordic and Baltic countries correspond with international guidelines. Special attention is needed in future on the clinical training of APNs".Peer reviewe