A Global View on Clinical Autonomy for Advanced Practice Nurses

This new volume, endorsed by the International Council of Nurses, offers a structured, comprehensive examination of clinical autonomy for global advanced practice nurses (APNs), namely, nurse-midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists, whose autonomy is a critical factor in expanding access to care and enhancing care outcomes. Designed to address the gap in literature concerning how APNs navigate decision-making within clinical environments, the Editors offer practical guidance with an exploration of the legal, regulatory, and ethical dimensions of autonomous practice within all four advanced practice nursing roles in various areas of the world. Comparisons, challenges, and recommendations for maximizing the use of advanced practice nurses are offered with the goal of improving healthcare globally.

The book is structured to guide APNs through the underlying principles of professional practice autonomy for APNs and include actionable strategies for improving independent decision-making while fostering collaborative healthcare models. The inclusion of case studies and expert commentary bring the discussion to life, making it both a practical guide for clinicians and a scholarly text for advanced nursing courses.

Aimed at clinicians, nurse educators, policymakers, health system administrators, regulators, and researchers, this book addresses the critical need to strengthen advanced nursing practice autonomy for expanding healthcare to underserved and vulnerable populations while providing a foundation for nursing students transitioning into APN positions. It also serves as a vital reference for healthcare administrators and regulators to better understand the linkages between accountability for health outcomes and professional practice autonomy as accountability for outcomes is commensurate with authority and responsibility.  Filling a crucial gap, this book combines research with practical implementation strategies, positioning APNs to thrive in complex healthcare systems while amplifying the reach and effectiveness of APN led care.