Titling for advanced practice nurses.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe salient discussion points and the recommendations for titling of the advanced practice nurse (APN).

DATA SOURCES

Discussion points, professional literature on titling for APNs, and rationale and recommendations generated by conference participants.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The recommendation for a single title--advanced practice nurse--as an umbrella term to include clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners within the Oncology Nursing Society evolved from the desire to facilitate advancement of these roles.

CONCLUSION

A common title for all nurses in advanced practice will help them to speak with one voice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The existing healthcare environment provides numerous opportunities for APNs. Single titling may produce unity among APNs, provide the ability to speak with a single voice, and result in new opportunities for leadership roles in directing health care for the future.