Defining the intangible skillset of advanced practice nurses: A psychophenomenological study of APRN and graduate nursing student narratives

The purpose of this pilot qualitative study was to generate a definition of advanced practice nurses that delineates their intangible skillset. The definition was derived from narratives of eleven experienced advanced practice nurses and 18 graduate nursing students who responded to individualized questionnaires. Results were analyzed using van Kaam's, 12-step psychophenomenological method. Four necessary and essential qualities of the intangible skillset of advanced practice nurses were identified as: Development of a patient-centered relationship; provision of care that is holistic and promotes health and wellness; use of practical critical thinking and judgment; and, engagement in "tri-lingual communication" or the ability to communicate in a comprehensible and effective manner with patients and families, nurse colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.