Den akademiske sygeplejerske – en nødvendig investering i klinisk kvalitet

English abstract

The academic nurse – a necessary investment in clinical quality

Background
Nurses with advanced academic qualifications play a central role in the development of and research in clinical practice, but the framework for their roles and national policies remains unclear.
Aim
To highlight nurses with advanced academic qualifications and their contribution to clinical quality, to describe the structures that support their role, and to identify barriers and pitfalls reported in the literature.
Method
A systematic literature review and synthesis of Danish and international studies as well as national political and professional position papers. Systematic literature searches were conducted in CINAHL and PubMed. In addition, open searches were performed in the Danish Nurses’ Organization’s professional database and on sygeplejevidenskab.dk.
Results
Nurses with advanced academic qualifications create demonstrable value through development, research, education, and quality improvement activities. The lack of national policies and unclear organisational frameworks limits the potential benefits, whereas strong leadership anchoring and a clear mandate are crucial for effectiveness.
Conclusion
Roles should be defined at a national level with clearly specified tasks, responsibilities, organisational placement, and a formal mandate. Professional and political position papers support this direction. Nurses with advanced academic qualifications are an investment in quality, patient safety, and professional advancement.

Keywords: Nurses with advanced academic qualifications, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Practice Nurse, clinical research, quality, health policy.