ROLE OF ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING IN THE ICU. LITERATURE REVIEW

Authors

Keywords:

Advanced practice nursing, Nurse's role, Intensive care units, Professional competence, Professional role

Abstract

Objective: To identify the role of advanced practice nursing (APN) in intensive care units (ICUs). APN requires advanced academic training and decision-making autonomy. Method: An integrative literature review was applied, applying the IOP strategy and selecting articles published since 2010 that addressed the role of APN in the ICU. They were evaluated for scientific rigor, and the findings were organized into deductive categories. Results: Of 865 records, 7 articles that met eligibility criteria were selected. The results indicate that APN has proven effective in improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in countries where it has been implemented. In Colombia, the lack of formal recognition of APN limits its development, despite the growing need to optimize resources in ICUs. Key competencies of APNs include advanced skills in diagnosis, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Conclusions: Integrating APN in the ICU can significantly improve patient care and clinical outcomes. It is urgent to implement a regulatory framework that recognizes their role and develop educational programs that strengthen their skills, adapting to the needs of the Colombian health system.

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Author Biographies

  • Natalia Beatriz Benavides Restrepo, Universidad del Valle, Cali Colombia

    Estudiante de Licenciatura en Enfermería, Universidad del Valle, Enfermera, Fundación Valle de Lili de Cali, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

  • Claudia Herminia Vela Casas, Universidad del Valle Cali Colombia

    Estudiante de Licenciatura en Enfermería, Universidad del Valle, Enfermera, Clínica San Francisco Tuluá, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

  • Cristian Camilo Mejia Mejia, Universidad del Valle, Armenia Quindío, Colombia

    Estudiante de Licenciatura en Enfermería, Universidad del Valle, Enfermero, Clínica Oncólogos del occidente,
    Armenia Quindío y Colombia.

  • Diana Marcela Rengifo Arias, Universidad del Valle, Cali Colombia

    Magister en Enfermería, Master en Nutrición, Obesidad y Técnicas Culinarias. Profesor investigador de tiempo completo, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

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Published

2026-06-05

How to Cite

Benavides Restrepo, N. B., Vela Casas, C. H., Mejia Mejia, C. C., & Rengifo Arias, D. M. (2026). ROLE OF ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING IN THE ICU. LITERATURE REVIEW. RECIE FEC-UAS Revista De educación Y Cuidado Integral En enfermería Facultad Enfermería Culiacán, 3(5), 37-56. https://revistas.uas.edu.mx/index.php/RECIE/article/view/1080