The importance of Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) in health care

With their specialized expertise, Advanced Practice Nurses strengthen the quality, the continuity and the sustainability of health care in their field of specialty.

The population is growing older and chronic conditions are becoming increasingly common. In this context, APNs have an indispensable role in the landscape of Swiss healthcare. To master the current challenges in a future-oriented way, it is more important than ever to draw on the expertise of these highly qualified nursing professionals.

What is “Advanced Nursing Practice”?

“Advanced Nursing Practice” is an extended nursing practice reaching beyond traditional nursing roles. It is based on in-depth clinical knowledge, complex decision-making and more extensive clinical competencies. This kind of practice can be adjusted to the needs of the institution or to specific requirements of a particular role.

ANP or APN – what is the difference?

The difference is simple. ANP (“Advanced Nursing Practice”) refers to the extended understanding of nursing care acquired by completing a master's degree in nursing. APN (Advanced Practice Nurse) is the job title of a professional who implements “Advanced Nursing Practice”.

Why are APNs important?

Advanced Practice Nurses have a central role in modern health care. They can independently conduct clinical assessments, make diagnoses and develop treatment plans. With their comprehensive understanding of patients' needs, they contribute significantly to the quality and continuity of health care. APNs provide support in education and preventive health care as well as in the treatment of acute symptoms. Furthermore, they are active in scientific research. APNs conduct clinical trials and develop new nursing models. To ensure a sustainable development of nursing, they often share their expertise in training and further education of other nursing professionals.

What characterizes APNs?

Advanced Practice Nurses extend their competencies in six areas.

Ethical decision-making: APNs follow ethical principles to ensure that health care is in accordance with the best interest of the patient. They uphold the integrity of nursing practice.
Specialized expertise: APNs provide highly qualified care in specific fields of health care, for example in long-term care. They contribute to improved care for patients and their families.
Clinical case-guiding competence: This competence is essential for effective leadership in the particular institution. APNs are qualified to lead teams, to improve the quality of care and to develop innovative solutions for complex health problems.
Interprofessional cooperation: In their institution, APNs cooperate with a broad spectrum of professionals. The aim is to ensure comprehensive care adjusted to individual needs.
Scientific methodological competence: APNs implement research in practice. By using evidence-based approaches, they increase the effectiveness of care.
Counselling competence: In complex care situations, APNs accompany patients and relatives who have to make difficult decisions. They provide support to ensure that the best possible health outcomes are achieved.

Advanced Practice Nurses are an indispensable part of sustainable, future-oriented health care. They improve the quality of nursing in the long term.