A CONCEPTUAL-FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE - AN ACTION RESEARCH-PROJECT OPERATIONALIZING AN ADVANCED PRACTITIONER CONSULTANT NURSE ROLE/

A preliminary conceptual framework for an advanced practice/consultant nurse role is presented which links the role to its context and outco mes. The conceptual framework was developed in the process of analysin g data from a 3-year action research study involving the operationaliz ation of an advanced practice/consultant nurse role in a Nursing Devel opment Unit. The skills and knowledge base of consultancy, underpinned by a strong nursing foundation, augmented by strong leadership and co mbined with the educator and researcher functions, are presented as th e attributes of the advanced practitioner/consultant nurse. The facili tation of a transformational culture is highlighted as central to the skills and processes used within the role. Implications for the prepar ation and accreditation of the advanced practitioner/consultant nurse are highlighted.