Country-level mentoring for advanced practice nursing: A case study.

AIM: To describe the mentoring process between the ICN Advanced Practice Nurse Network practice subgroup and the University of Pécs to support the emerging advanced practice role in Hungary, and explore the creation of a mentoring algorithm for faculty and other key stakeholders worldwide who wish to develop advanced practice nursing programs. BACKGROUND: Advanced practice nurses provide comprehensive clinical care and expand access to care in more than 70 countries. In March of 2017, a representative of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pécs requested assistance in curricula development for the inaugural advanced practice nursing program in Hungary. METHODS: A mixed-methods single case study was undertaken. The sources of evidence include interviews, e-mails, review of the literature, and related documents. Qualitative data were analyzed for content, and frequencies were calculated for quantitative indicators. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the importance of clear communication, development of shared goals, and determination to see the project through. Enriching information was provided by colleagues from diverse global settings. Credibility was gained in Hungary from the support of national and international experts. CONCLUSION: The mentoring foundation and process facilitated the role development in Hungary and contributed to an increased understanding of advanced practice nurses' scope of practice. The intentional approach and the careful ongoing reflection may lead to future successful endeavors. Multinational engagement and collaborations will promote advanced practice nursing contributions globally. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: Mentoring can effectively empower nurses and advanced practice nurses to work to their full capacity. The shared experiences of international mentoring colleagues can contribute to and support the development and acceptance of national policies for the advanced practice nursing roles.

Why don't trainees pass the emergency medicine fellowship examination?

The pass rate in the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Fellowship exams between 1996 and 2003 inclusive averaged 61%, substantially lower than that of other specialties with comparable training structures. The explanation for this pass rate, which many would judge as unacceptably low, is likely to be multi-factorial. Possible factors that should be considered include trainee selection, training programme structure, the impact of the Director of Emergency Medicine Training, examination preparation, examination validity and examination reliability. Each of these potential factors needs to be addressed in a systematic fashion in the context of inevitable and increasing internal and external scrutiny of the outcomes of our training programme.