Perceptions and beliefs about the regulation of advanced nurse practitioners.

Background: The role of the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) is not regulated in the UK, which has led to wide variation in the skills, competencies and academic qualifications of nurses using this title. Urgent treatment centres (UTCs) require a broad and experienced knowledge base to meet the demand of patients presenting with undifferentiated illnesses and injuries, which can be stressful and challenging.

Aim: To examine the perceptions and beliefs about ANP regulation, and to explore and discuss any ideas about proposed regulation.