The nature of advanced practice nursing

In attempting to define "advanced practice," we argue that nursing as such is teleological or goal-directed with those goals being defined by the pati ent or client in interaction with the nurse. In helping the patient meet id entified goals, the nurse requires 2 kinds of knowledge-general and particu lar. General includes theory (know what/why), pattern recognition (know wha t), and practical knowledge (know how). particular (know who) is personal k nowledge about the patient. The advanced practice nurse, by virtue of gradu ate education, is able to move; beyond the familiar and experientially lear ned. He or she makes a deliberate attempt to situate self in a dialectic be tween general and particular knowledge in such a way that the interplay ope ns possibilities. Knowing when a particular action would be most helpful is defined as practical wisdom. We argue that a highly developed sense of pra ctical wisdom is the hallmark of advanced practice.