The ascent to advanced practice: challenges, support and opportunities

The challenges that have an impact on the journey to advanced clinical practice are many. However, with structured support the opportunity to develop to this level can be nurtured. This article will reflect on this development and discuss some of the difficulties for trainee advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs), such as imposter syndrome, feelings of inadequacy and role transition. The article will also consider the importance of clinical supervision, mentorship and support mechanisms that may assist in developing advanced clinical practice and facilitate its progression.

Advanced clinical practice has been primarily influenced and shaped by service need and has faced, and continues to face, several challenges during its development. To meet the growing demand for timely access to health care in the UK, the nursing profession has become a focus of attention for the development of advanced clinical practice, because it is one of the largest professional groups in the NHS (The King's Fund, 2020). Although the journey continues, there have been professional developments and studies that have helped to shape the progress of advanced nursing and continue to do so.