Perceived barriers to the sustainability and progression of nurse practitioners.

Background: In 1998 in Victoria, Australia, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) model was considered with projects exploring the potential for NP implementation in emergency departments (EDs).

Aims: The aim of this study is to explore the perceived barriers to progression and sustainability of the NP role in Victoria. A survey of the 17 EDs involved in the initial projects was undertaken targeting NP candidates, nurse managers and project officers.