Global pathways in nursing: nurse practitioner excellence

Abstract

Objective: To describe a week-long immersion program at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) designed to enhance Latin American nurses’ and stakeholders’ understanding of NP education, scope of practice, regulation, and leadership, supporting context-appropriate NP role development. Methods: Experience report of the “Developing Advanced Practice Nurses in Latin America” international week. An invited cohort (N=18) from six countries participated with Spanish/Portuguese simultaneous translation. Learning activities included structured presentations on MSN/DNP pathways and competencies, simulation laboratory orientation, and clinical site visits including academic medical center inpatient units, community primary care clinic, and student-run free clinic. Results: Participants observed NP autonomy in assessment, diagnosis, prescribing, care coordination, interdisciplinary collaboration, simulation’s role in competency development, and NP contributions to quality improvement, safety, and health equity initiatives across settings. Conclusion: The immersion fostered reflective dialogue on adapting United States based NP education and practice elements to various Latin American contexts. It also strengthened delegates’ intent to advocate for standardized education, supportive regulation, and expanded nursing leadership in Latin America.