Time for international standards? Comparing the emergency nurse practitioner role in the UK, Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

This paper offers a comparison of the emergency nurse practitioner role between the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The purpose of this comparison is to evaluate the extent of differentiation between the role in these three countries. Beginning with a summary of implementation and the main drivers for the role, the components of the nurse practitioner roles are then unpacked in terms of their characteristics, educational preparation, regulation and accountability. With a particular emphasis upon patient care, the benefits and challenges of the role are identified for each country. Of interest is how similar the roles are, despite being designed in culturally and environmentally variant locations.