Developing the scope of practice and education for advanced practice nurses in Finland.

BACKGROUND The reorganization of Finnish healthcare services has required a restructuring of the areas of responsibility between healthcare professionals. AIM To describe the need for Advanced Practice Nurses in Finland and the development process of a Master's programme in Health Promotion, Advanced Clinical Care. METHODS The study consisted of a survey of nurse managers (24) and focus group interviews with clinical nurse specialists (46). FINDINGS The expanded role includes advanced clinical skills and responsibility for health prevention and promotion, education, supervision, leadership, research and development. CONCLUSIONS The legislation, scope and models have to be supported and further developed to promote the full scope of advanced practice.