Comparative Analysis of Advanced Practice Nursing: Contextual and Historical Influences in North American and German-Speaking European Countries.

This article compares the professionalization and educational standards of Advanced Practice Nursing in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with specific attention to geographical, political, and professional factors - both current and historical - influencing the evolution of these nurse leaders. A review of the literature, scientific articles, governmental regulatory texts, and legislative codes from each country, was performed. Patterns related to the geographical, political and professional context of nursing in each country were identified with comparative insights on the evolution of the discipline.