JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Master’s degree programs in Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) have been offered in Switzerland for approximately two decades. Over this period, the role of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) has become increasingly embedded within the Swiss healthcare system, where APNs are regarded as a valuable resource. Despite their growing presence, there remains a lack of clarity and consistency regarding the competencies and role definitions, resulting in ambiguity surrounding their responsibilities and scope of practice. The EDUCate doctoral study, titled EDUCate-Competence-And-RoledevelopmEnt (EDUCate C-ARE) is part of the broader EDUCate research initiative. It aims to explore and illustrate the competence and role development of a defined cohort of master’s students. To date, existing research has not sufficiently examined the progression of competencies, as well as the development and understanding of roles among master’s student s and clinically active APNs.

Objective:

The EDUCate C-ARE doctoral study has been designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the competences and role development of master’s students and clinically active APNs. The study will be conducted throughout the duration of the programme and for up to one year following graduation.

Methods:

The EDUCate C-ARE doctoral study will employ a convergent mixed-methods cross-sectional design, enabling the analysis of a student cohort over a four-year period. Quantitative and qualitative data on competence development will be analyzed, evaluated, and presented separately. These data will subsequently be integrated within a dedicated data integration framework.

Results:

The objective of the EDUCate C-ARE doctoral study is to deepen our understanding of how the competencies and roles of APNs evolve within a cohort of master’s students and among clinically active APNs. The integration of the study’s findings will be addressed upon completion of the research. It is anticipated that the results of this study will yield valuable insights into the processes of competence development and provide a comprehensive understanding of the way in which APNs shape and advance their professional roles.

Conclusions:

The results of this study will provide an essential foundation for future research, contributing to a deeper understanding of the core competencies and responsibilities of APNs on a global scale. Clinical Trial: The Cantonal Ethics Committee of Zurich, Switzerland BASEC-Nr. Req-2019-00875