Available online 10 April 2024, 151634

Author links open overlay panel, , , , , ABSTRACTObjectives

To reflect on current practice analyses regarding the role of advanced practice nurse (APN) researcher in oncology, and report on the challenges that were faced and lessons we have learned when intensively working with APNs on doing research within the domain of oncology.

Methods

Discussions with APNs supervised by or who collaborated with academics in nursing science during the past 10 years on doing research within the domain of oncology.

Results

Several misconceptions exist regarding the role of APNs as researchers. During the research process, APNs are confronted with a wide range of topics based on evidence gaps and unmet needs, challenges linked to specific research designs, and ethical issues. APNs also face challenges related to the dissemination of research. This step in the research process is often overlooked due to APNs’ lack of time, limited financial resources, insufficient support for academic writing, or lower priority for APNs and other healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The APN role of researcher in oncology is fundamental for the advancement of oncology nursing care, implementation of evidence‐based practice and innovations in oncology patient care, and further development of the nursing profession and nursing science. Participation in research is considered a main function that differentiates APNs from nurses in other clinical roles, such as specialized nurses. By embracing the role of researcher, oncology APNs can achieve professional growth that will stimulate them as an APN, open new opportunities, and keep them challenged.

Implications for Nursing Practice

In addition to APN, organizational and structural related factors, support by relevant stakeholders, partnering with (nursing) research units and professional and patient organizations, and dedicated time for research can positively influence uptake of the APN researcher role.

Section snippetsBackground

Today, advanced practice nursing is an important development in nursing1 and advanced practice nurses (APNs), most commonly nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), are increasingly part of healthcare professional teams in different healthcare settings worldwide.2 APNs engage in a variety of roles such as clinical and professional leader, innovator, researcher, policy advisor, expert, consultant, educator and ethical decision facilitator.3 The Canadian Medical Education

Objectives and Methods

The content of this paper was based on several discussions between the co-authors. During these discussions, note-taking was performed. The group of co-authors consisted of academic staff and supervisors (n = 3) doing extensive research in oncology in collaboration with APNs and APNs (n = 3) supervised by or who collaborated intensively with academics in nursing science during the past 10 years in the Belgian context. This collaboration between both groups consisted of eg, writing joint

Possible Misconceptions About the Role of APN as Researcher

Regarding the role of APNs in oncology as researchers, several misconceptions exist. Advanced practice nurses often stipulate that there is no time for doing research and that they lost their research competencies along the way. Expressions such as “it is not expected from me by the HCP team and management,” “I work as a NP and research is for CNS profiles in particular,” “I am not doing research because I do not initiate my own research proposals,” “I don't know how and where to start my

Conclusions

The APN role of researcher is fundamental for advancing oncology nursing care, implementing evidence‐based practice and innovations in oncology patient care, and further developing the nursing profession and nursing science. Responsibilities for leading and participating in research, distinguishes APNs from nurses in other clinical roles, such as specialized nurses. By embracing the role as researcher, APNs can achieve professional growth that will stimulate them, open new opportunities, and

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Ann Van Hecke: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Supervision, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Elsie Decoene: Conceptualization, Investigation, Validation, Writing – review & editing. Annelies Courtens: Conceptualization, Validation, Writing – review & editing. Annemarie Coolbrandt: Conceptualization, Investigation, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Ine Decadt: Conceptualization, Validation, Writing – review &

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:

Ann Van Hecke reports was provided by Ghent University. Ann Van Hecke reports a relationship with Ghent University that includes: employment. Board Member of Belgian Association of Advanced Practice Nursing If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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