Constraints and perspectives of advanced practice nursing in Taiwan, Republic of China.

Although master's-prepared advanced practice nurses (APNs) are used intensively in the United States, they are uncommon in most other countries. Statistics about APNs across the world are difficult to interpret because the term "specialist" does not necessarily equate with graduate preparation. This article focuses on the difficulties of implementing advanced practice nursing in Taiwan. Suggestions for future actions that may decrease these problems are presented. Based on discussions with nurses from other Asian countries, these suggestions may apply to increasing the use of APNs in these countries as well as in Taiwan.