Aim: To formulate, validate, and disseminate policy, modelling nurses'
career pathway from registered to advanced practice nurse. Method: The
evidence-informed policy and practice pathway framework was utilized.
Multiple methods were used, including scoping review of literature,
consultation of key informants, survey study, and expert group
round-table discussions during 5-year project between 2013 and 2018.
Results: Through (a) sourcing, (b) using, and (c) implementing the
evidence, the expert group worked systematically to formulate a policy
on a career pathway from registered to advanced practice nurse. The
formulated career pathway includes three competence levels: registered
nurse, specialized nurse, and advanced practice nurse, which includes
the roles of nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. In
addition, validation and dissemination of the policy, as well as its
effective implementation and the process of integrating it into
practice, were examined. Conclusion: Evidence-informed policymaking is
an effective, interactive way to work collaboratively in achieving
consensus and translating knowledge into practice. The formulated policy
will contribute to the increased awareness, acknowledgement, and
implementation of the registered nurses' traditional and new roles
within health care environments. Implementing and integrating the policy
in national health care policy, legislation, education, and
organizations across the country is a work in progress.