Exploring advanced nursing practice: past, present and future.

This article examines the nature of advanced nursing practice. It identifies confusion around the terms of advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs), nurse practitioners and specialist nurses, and identifies what advanced practice is. The history of how ANPs evolved is discussed from its haphazard development to a more organised approach. Current advanced practice is identified, along with NHS plans for nurse development. Law, ethics and professional accountability are examined in relation to the additional responsibility ANPs have. Finally, the author's role as an ANP is considered within the context of primary care and NHS reforms.