The role of the advanced practice nurse in neuroscience nursing: results of the 2006 AANN membership survey.

The need for a scope of practice for advanced practice neuroscience nurses was identified by the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) in 2006. A task force consisting of advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists) was commissioned by AANN and charged with the development of the document. Current information regarding the practices of advanced practice neuroscience nurses was needed as the task force began to develop this document. To best obtain this information, an electronic survey was created and distributed to advanced practice nurses within the AANN database. The survey questions included basic demographic data and sought information regarding activities and procedures performed by the advanced practice nurse. The results of this survey clearly reflect the diversity in practice and the integral role advanced practice neuroscience nurses play in the management of patients' care.