進階護理師是具有專家的知識基礎、複雜的決策技巧與拓展臨床實務能力之護理師。進階護理師的角色發展不僅可提供高品質的護理照護,更可加入醫療端的工作,與多專業團隊共同提供連續性及整合性醫療照護。由於進階護理師優異的臨床表現,其角色功能於全世界逐步拓展,已由早期僅依醫囑提供照護,發展到目前具有疾病預防、健康促進、健康評估、診斷與處方等自主執業的角色功能,提供服務之場域更可包括醫院、機構與社區等。然而進階護理師的角色功能、執業範疇和專業界線,不論是在國內或國際間均缺乏一致性與明確的規範,不僅限制護理專業的發展,也可能增加執業危險與危害病人安全。因此本文內容主要介紹進階護理的定義、進階護理在世界各國與台灣的發展與現況,藉以釐清進階護理師的角色功能,最終希冀能藉由進階護理的發展,從國際趨勢著眼,檢視我國進階護理制度的現況與問題,藉以作為推動臺灣進階護理發展之參考。
Advanced practice nurses are registered nurses with expert knowledge bases, complex decision-making skills, and extensive clinical practice skills. The role of an advanced practice nurse is to not only provide high-quality care but also link their medical practice to work with a multi-disciplinary team, in order to provide continued and integrated medical care. Given the excellent clinical performance of advanced practice nurses, their role functions have gradually expanded from providing care under supervision to independent practices including disease prevention, health promotion, health assessment, diagnosis, and prescription. Advanced practice nurses provide services in hospitals, institutions, and communities. However, the lack of consistency and clear norms in the role, practice, and professional boundaries of advanced practice nurses- whether at home or internationally-not only limits the development of the nursing profession but also increases the risk of harm to patients. This article aims to clarify the role and functions of advanced practice nurses by reviewing the definition of advanced practice nursing and its current status and development in Taiwan and other parts of the world. A better understanding of the international development trends and the current status and problems of advanced practice nursing can serve as a reference to facilitate the development of advanced practice nursing in Taiwan.