Advanced practice nursing signifies those roles encompassing a more complex level than traditionally accepted for a registered nurse (Sheer & Wong, 2008). They are distinguished by the autonomy to practice at the edges of the ever-expanding nursing role, grounded in the unique body of knowledge that is nursing. This goes far beyond the provision of complex technical skills to include the art of care. Consequently, advanced practice nursing is concerned with some of the most intimate occasions in human life and is vital for the wellbeing of the community being served.
A qualitative, phenomenological approach informed by van Manen (1997) is utilised to gain a deeper view of such practice. Excerpts from personal reflective exemplars and journal entries as an advanced practice nurse in a rural setting are given to profile emerging dimensions of compassion and caring, and conversation and listening. This process of exploring practice has resulted in a greater depth of insight into the already known facets of care.
Findings from this exploration incorporate the advanced practice nurses’ response to complex situations. Recommendations are based on ways of developing recruitment and practice to value relational ability within the rural emergency department.