Perioperative nurse practitioners (NP) - The first two perioperative NPs are authorised in NSW

This paper explores the development and subsequent authorisation of the first two perioperative nurse practitioners in NSW. It locates their experiences within the wider debate concerning the evolution of advanced nursing practice and roles, both in Australia and globally. However, the focus is on the role of nurse practitioners (NPs). The need for a collaborative, systematic and evidence-based process to develop perioperative NPs (like others), the lack of clarity about the terminology associated with advanced perioperative nursing practice, and the role confusion evident in the literature, was mirrored in the experiences of the two Sydney-based perioperative NPs. Their still-evolving role, associated activities and future directions are described here in detail. The external factors which contributed to NP role development are also addressed. What is known about the topic Advanced nursing roles, including those in perioperative settings, have been evident for many decades outside Australia. The development of NPs, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, is much more recent. What this article contributes It describes the development, role and activities of the first authorised perioperative NPs in NSW. It locates NP role development within a model of emergency surgery clinical redesign