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ESCO occupation

advanced nurse practitioner

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Advanced nurse practitioners are in charge of promoting and restoring patients` health, provide diagnosis and care in advanced settings, coordinating care within areas of chronic disease management, providing integrated care, and supervising assigned team members. Advanced nurse practitioners are general care nurses who have acquired an expert knowledge base, complex decision making skills and clinical competencies for expanded clinical practice on advanced level.

2221.1 ISCO 2221 ESCO source
Competences
93
Groups
4
Essential
79
Optional
14

Competences and skills

93 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

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No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

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No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

1 competence
impact of social contexts on health

The social and cultural contexts of individuals` behaviours, and the impact on their health within their social and cultural context.

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Essential skills and competences 78 competences

Occupation specific

9 competences
clinical decision-making at advanced practice

Apply advanced practice with regard to clinical decision-making, managing the caseload for individual patients, families and communities.

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conduct research in advanced nursing care

Identify research priorities in advanced nursing care, lead, conduct and disseminate research findings that shape and advance nursing practice, education and policy.

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contribute to high level health strategic decisions

Contribute to decision-making at clinical, management and policy level, such as the allocation of health funds.

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diagnose advanced nursing care

Examine and diagnose advanced nursing care using evidence based therapeutic interventions.

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lead research activities in nursing

Lead nursing research initiatives, support research activity, working within individual Care Groups and with other agencies, identifying, applying and disseminating research findings related to specialist nursing.

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mentor other health professionals

Guide, counsel and educate other health professionals about latest practice innovations, act as a mentor and role model, and actively engage in knowledge transfer with patient communities.

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organise homecare for patients

Organise care to be provided in the house of a patient who is housebound with acute and/or long-term health problems.

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prescribe advanced nursing care

Prescribe evidence-based therapeutic interventions and medication, actively monitoring the effectiveness of patients treatments.

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screen patients for disease risk factors

Carry out examinations on patients in order to detect early signs of illness or risk factors.

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Sector-specific

38 competences
accept own accountability

Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.

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advise on healthcare users' informed consent

Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.

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analyse quality of nurse care

Analyse the quality of care in order to improve the own professional practice as a general care nurse.

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apply context specific clinical competences

Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.

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apply nursing care in long-term care

Enable the promotion and the development of nursing care in long term care, co-morbidity and in situations of dependency in order to maintain individuals’ personal autonomy and relationships with the environment in each moment of the health/illness process.

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apply person-centred care

Treat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.

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carry out invasive cardiovascular procedures

Carry out invasive procedures on the thoracic area, such as cardiac catheterisations, defibrillator implants, and pacemaker insertion.

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carry out nurse-led discharge

Initiate and lead the discharge process of patients, involving all relevant professionals to expedite discharges. Assist bed and capacity management across the whole hospital.

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comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice

Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.

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contribute to continuity of health care

Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.

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coordinate care

Coordinate care for patient groups, being able to manage a number of patients within a given amount of time and provide optimum health services.

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delegate emergency care

Efficiently delegate care to other personnel in the emergency department, supervising others working in the clinical environment to ensure that patient needs are met.

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develop plans related to the transfer of care

Organise transfer of care, when applicable, across a range of healthcare settings, communicating effectively and ensuring that the patient/client and carers are involved in the decision making process.

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diagnose nursing care

A judgment based on a comprehensive nursing assessment. 

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empower individuals, families and groups

Empower individuals, families and groups towards healthy lifestyles and self-care.

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ensure safety of healthcare users

Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.

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evaluate nursing care

Evaluate nursing care assessing mechanisms and processes for continuous quality improvement in nursing care, considering the scientific, technical and ethical development.

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implement nursing care

Implement nursing care when treating patients in order to improve their health situation. Carry out advanced treatment, diagnostic and invasive interventions as related to the field of specialisation.

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make clinical decisions

Respond to an information need by collecting and analysing available findings to inform clinical decisions.

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manage communicable disease

Handle dangerous infectious diseases in an intensive medical therapy unit.

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manage hospital-acquired infections

Diagnose and treat infections developed in a hospital environment.

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manage multiple patients simultaneously

Coordinate and supervise the management of several patients simultaneously and manage mass-casualty incidents.

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manage trauma through surgical means

Manage trauma such as musculoskeletal, hand, and head injuries, taking responsibility for all phases of care of the injured patient.

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participate in health personnel training

Participate in the practical training of health personnel on the basis of the knowledge and skills acquired.

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perform bronchoscopy

Conduct bronchoscopy to visualise the tracheobronchial tree for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

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perform diagnostic testing for allergies

Perform diagnostic testing for allergies to drugs, vaccines, or other substances used in medicinal treatment.

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perform health assessment autonomously

Autonomously perform comprehensive health assessment, using professional judgement to refer patients requiring specialist attention to other health professionals and agencies as appropriate.

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plan nursing care

Plan care, defining nursing objectives, deciding on nursing measures to be taken, paying attention to health education and preventative measures and ensuring continuity and fullness of care with the aim of improving the quality of nursing care.

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prescribe medication

Prescribe medications, when indicated, for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to the client`s needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice, national and practice protocols and within scope of practice.

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provide anti-cancer medical treatment

Determine the cancer treatment appropriate for the patient, considering chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy such as immunotherapy.

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provide clinical advice to team members

Provide regular or ad-hoc supervision and advise team members on clinical matters.

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provide comprehensive care for patients with surgical conditions

Provide comprehensive care of critically ill patients with underlying surgical conditions.

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provide nursing advice on healthcare

Give advice to, instruct and support persons needing nursing care and their attachment figures.

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provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health

Identify possible treatment protocols for the challenges to human health within a given community in cases such as infectious diseases of high consequences at the global level.

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solve problems in healthcare

Carry out actions, by previously identifying and analysing problems, that facilitate seeking the most beneficial solution for the patient, the family and the community, reaching objectives, improving outcomes and keeping the quality of their work.

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use e-health and mobile health technologies

Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.

digital
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use electronic health records in nursing

Use electronic health records to document nursing assessment, diagnosis, interventions and outcomes based on comparable nursing classification systems and nursing taxonomy.

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work in multidisciplinary health teams

Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.

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Cross-sector

31 competences
adapt leadership styles in healthcare

Adapt leadership styles and approaches to different situations concerning nursing clinical practice and healthcare.

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address problems critically

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.

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adhere to organisational guidelines

Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.

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advise on healthy lifestyles

Promote healthy lifestyles, preventive measures and self-care by strengthening empowerment, promoting health and enhancing behaviours and therapeutic compliance, providing patients with the adequate information in order to support compliance with and adherence to prescribed treatments, medication and nursing care.

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apply organisational techniques

Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.

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apply sustainability principles in health care

Take into account the sustainability principles in healthcare and strive for the rational use of resources.

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comply with legislation related to health care

Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.

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contribute to public health campaigns

Contribute to local or national public health campaigns by evaluating health priorities, the government changes in regulations and advertising the new trends in relation to health care and prevention.

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deal with emergency care situations

Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.  

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develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship

Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.

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educate on the prevention of illness

Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.

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empathise with the healthcare user

Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.

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follow clinical guidelines

Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.

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have computer literacy

Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

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implement fundamentals of nursing

Implement the nursing theoretical and methodological fundamentals and principles, basic nursing interventions on scientific evidence and the resources available.

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implement policy in healthcare practices

Establish how policies should be interpreted and translated within the practice, implementing local and national policies, as well as those of your own practice and proposing developments and improvements to service delivery.

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implement scientific decision making in healthcare

Implement scientific findings for evidence-based practice, integrating research evidence into decision making by forming a focused clinical question in response to a recognised information need, searching for the most appropriate evidence to meet that need, critically appraising the retrieved evidence, incorporating the evidence into a strategy for action, and evaluating the effects of any decisions and actions taken.

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inform policy makers on health-related challenges

Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.

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initiate life preserving measures

Initiate life-preserving actions by taking measures in crises and disaster situations.

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interact with healthcare users

Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.

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lead healthcare services changes

Identify and lead changes in healthcare service in response to patient needs and service demand in order to ensure continuous quality improvement of the service.

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listen actively

Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

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manage information in health care

Retrieve, apply and share information among patients and healthcare professionals and across healthcare facilities and community.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

research
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promote a positive image of nursing

Present and preserve a positive image of nursing in specific environments of the healthcare and educational spectra.

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promote human rights

Promote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, and the international and national codes of ethics, as well as the ethical implications of healthcare provision, ensuring their right to privacy and honouring for the confidentiality of healthcare information.

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promote inclusion

Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.

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provide health education

Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.

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provide professional care in nursing

Provide professional care, adequate to the health and nursing care needs of the individuals, families and groups, taking into account the scientific developments, as well as the quality and safety requirements established in accordance with the legal/professional conduct regulations.

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respond to changing situations in health care

Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.

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work in a multicultural environment in health care

Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.

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Optional knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

1 competence
spine surgery

The incision along the backbone to access to the spinal cord and bones in order to treat spinal infections, trauma, deformity, tumors or degenerative conditions. The development of minimally invasive techniques or robotic spine surgery procedures allows reducing risks and shorten patients' recovery time.

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Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Optional skills and competences 13 competences

Occupation specific

3 competences
administer immunotherapy

Adjust immunotherapy dose and manage complications.

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advise patients on infectious diseases when travelling

Inform and prepare patients who are about to travel to areas with high infection rates, administering immunisations and instructing patients on prevention and treatment of infections and infectious diseases.

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perform antepartum fetal monitoring

Perform and interpret antepartum diagnostic tests such as non-stress, contraction stress test, and doppler velocimetry.

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Sector-specific

7 competences
address side effects of menopause

Address side effects of menopause such as fatigue, body temperature changes, mood swings, depression and weight gain. Search for symptoms of health problems that can be caused by menopause, such as heart disease, vision issues and osteoporosis.

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assist in kidney transplant

Manage patient care before and after the transplant of kidneys, striving to maximise the likelihood of a successful outcome.

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conduct preoperative investigations

Conduct tests before a planned surgical operation, taking into consideration possible risk factors apparent from the clinical assessment, the likelihood of asymptomatic abnormalities and the severity of the planned surgery.

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manage adverse reactions to drugs

Analyse and manage adverse reactions to drugs such as general and local anaesthetics and antibiotics, describing the principles of drug challenge and desensitisation to the allergic patient and providing advice on the use of alternative drugs.

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perform venous cannulation

Place a cannula inside the patient's vein to provide venous access. It allows many practices such as sampling of blood, administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition, and chemotherapy.

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supervise medical residents

Oversee and manage the work of residents within the specific medical unit, providing them with guidance and support.

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treat medical conditions of elderly people

Provide treatment to elderly patients affected by the diseases that are common in this age group such as Alzheimer`s disease, cancer (ovarian cancer, prostate cancer), dementia, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, osteoporosis, Parkinson`s disease, sleep disorders, and stroke.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
assess physical conditions of clients

Check the new clients' health conditions to assess their suitability for participation.

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use foreign languages for health-related research

Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.

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use foreign languages in patient care

Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.

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