Perceptions and beliefs about the regulation of advanced nurse practitioners.

Background: The role of the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) is not regulated in the UK, which has led to wide variation in the skills, competencies and academic qualifications of nurses using this title. Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) require a broad and experienced knowledge base to meet the demand of patients presenting with undifferentiated illnesses and injuries, which can be stressful and challenging.

Aim: To examine the perceptions and beliefs about ANP regulation, and to explore and discuss any ideas about proposed regulation.

Method: The author used interpretative phenomenological analysis to uncover valuable insights into the experiences of two ANPs working in an UTC, and their beliefs around regulation of the ANP role.

Results: Both ANPs had different backgrounds and qualifications yet still had similar perceptions and beliefs regarding the regulation of ANPs. Five main themes were developed from the interview transcripts.

Conclusion: This study identified the need to consider the importance of ANPs' identity and the complex regulatory process required to standardise the role.