ROLE OF ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING IN THE ICU. LITERATURE REVIEW
Keywords:
Advanced practice nursing, Nurse's role, Intensive care units, Professional competence, Professional roleAbstract
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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