AUTHOR'S RESPONSE:

Thank you for the thoughtful response. Advanced practice education is undergoing many changes driven by several influences including the emergence of the doctor of nursing practice degree and the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Consensus Model. As you point out, the emphasis on 2015 as the date for transition to the doctor of nursing practice has changed since first proposed. Although this date is no longer seen as a requirement, many schools are using it as a target date for converting advanced practice programs. My purpose was to provide some guidance for those who are in the process of, or who are planning for, curriculum revision. The merits of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Consensus Model, as noted in my article, remain the topic of much debate. Your considered comments contribute to the overall continued dialogue and debate.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

For more dialogue about the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Consensus Model and implications for clinical nurse specialist education, certification, and practice, visit the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Consensus Model blog on the journal's Web site at http://www.cns-journal.com.

Cathy J. Thompson, PhD, RN, CCNS

[email protected]