Advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to explore existing literature related to advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs in order to examine and map the evidence, and identify any gaps in the literature. INTRODUCTION Most hospital systems utilize professional advancement models for their staff to recognize and reward employees who exceed expectations. Advanced practice nurses in direct patient care were previously not included in most advancement programs because of the novelty of the role. Implementation of an advanced practice nurse advancement program in a hospital system could help alleviate burdens by increasing retention and decreasing turnover, thus improving quality outcomes and stability of the health system. INCLUSION CRITERIA This scoping review will consider studies that include advanced practice nurses in direct patient care roles participating in professional advancement programs. The concept is advanced practice nurse professional advancement programs and related criteria and characteristics (e.g. length of service, performance review, educational preparation) and outcomes (e.g. improved recruitment, retention or employee satisfaction). Studies that have been conducted in any setting and geographical location where advanced practice nurses are employed will be included. METHODS Studies published in English from 1965 to present will be included. The databases to be searched include: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO. The search for unpublished evidence and gray literature will include: ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, MedNar and various hospital websites. Retrieval of full-text studies and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. The extracted data will be presented in diagrammatic or tabular form with an accompanying narrative summary.