Advanced practice nursing in Hong Kong and Mainland China

Abstract

This chapter is a documentary of advanced practice nursing development in Hong Kong and mainland China. The initiation of advanced nursing practice commenced with the demand for more accessible and available care. Education ensued with more clinically focused postgraduate programs made available to equip the nurses with the required competence. System and policy support for advanced nursing practice are very important but this part seems to be the slowest to be formalized. If it is not for the needs of service and benefits of clients, advanced practice nursing is without meaning. In order to ensure that advanced practice nursing meets the standards, highly educated and competent nurses are essential. Policy and regulation support are important to protect the title of advanced practice nurses and ensure safe and quality care. All of the three components: needs for service, education and competence, policy and regulation support, are essential to make advanced practice nursing flourish and sustain.