The Evolution of Advanced Practice Nursing Preparation and Evidence-Based Practice

Advance practice nurses are frequently expected to lead the charge for implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical settings. Educational preparation of the APN provides the foundation for EBP competencies in practice. A global perspective of Advanced Practice Nursing will include an historical overview of the evolution and implementation of the APN role worldwide including research and scholarly efforts that supports advancement of EBP. The presentation will also describe the evolution of APN education, recent trends leading up to the current mandate for doctoral preparation across the US, and factors identified by key organizations that have influenced and led efforts in bringing about the change in educational programs in the US.  Masters and practice doctorate education will be compared and differences and similarities between practice and research doctorates will be presented. These trends in education will be compared to the simultaneous evolution of EBP. A new model called the Advanced Practice Regulatory Model will be presented and discussed within the context of the relationships among and between safety, outcomes and EBP.  Emphasis will be placed on the link between the proposed model and The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.  Discussion of these essential components in education of both direct care and nurse executive leadership roles will be included. Participants will consider how each of these trends has influenced the other in the Americas, as well as in other regions of the world and the audience will be encouraged to engage in dialogue about advancements in their own settings.