[Advanced nursing practice: development of an emerging model]. / Enfermería de práctica avanzada: desarrollo de un modelo emergente.

AIM: To describe the historical evolution of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) in the international arena, and to describe the characteristics and competencies of this nursing role, with the ultimate aim of encouraging reflection on the implementation of this model of nursing in the Spanish context. METHODS: A literature review in the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and CUIDEN was conducted. In addition, several websites were reviewed. RESULTS: At the international level, there is evidence on the impact of the APN in the healthcare system, reducing the number and length of hospital stays and showing greater user satisfaction. Regarding the national context, it is clear the interest on this issue, although the implementation of this advanced practice role is a pending matter. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, the implementation of the APN is a challenge due to the legislative, educational, organizational and political factors that are involved in the official introduction of this new nursing model.

[Nurse managers with management education has any influence in the patient outcomes?]. / La formación en gestión de las supervisoras influye en los resultados del paciente?

AIM: To know the available scientific evidence on the influence of nurse manager training in management on patient outcomes in hospitals. METHOD: It was conducted a review of the literature available in the databases PubMed, Medline, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. The limits of the search were published articles written in English and/or Spanish in the last 10 years (2002-2012). RESULTS: 207 articles were found and after applying the above limits were reduced to 147. After a first reading of the title and abstract the authors extended the searching to some relevant journals in nursing management area and the technique of snow ball was used. Finally, a total of 56 papers related to the research question were valided. After a close reading of these 56 articles, six were selected linking with the aim of this study. CONCLUSIONS: It has been detected little evidence in this area of nursing. After this review it is suggested to study this issue in the Spanish context in order to cover the need for training of nurse managers with the help of professors in graduate programs at Universities.