Date of Award

January 2012

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Yale University School of Nursing

First Advisor

Mary Moller

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot qualitative study was to generate a definition of advanced practice nurses that delineates their intangible skillset. The definition was derived from narratives of eleven experienced advanced practice nurses and 18 graduate nursing students who responded to individualized questionnaires. Results were analyzed using van Kaam's, 12-step psychophenomenological method. Four necessary and essential qualities of the intangible skillset of advanced practice nurses were identified as: Development of a patient-centered relationship; provision of care that is holistic and promotes health and wellness; use of practical critical thinking and judgment; and, engagement in "tri-lingual communication" or the ability to communicate in a comprehensible and effective manner with patients and families, nurse colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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