The RCN is clear that advanced level nursing describes a level of practice which can only be delivered by registered nurses with additional knowledge, expertise and increased levels of autonomy. It is underpinned by comprehensive knowledge, skills and capabilities within each of the four pillars of nursing: clinical practice, education, research and leadership.

Advanced level nursing can and should be applied across all contexts in which registered nurses work, including leaders, managers, educators and researchers: ensuring that all are valued and their impact on the quality of patient care is acknowledged.

The RCN strongly supports the on-going development of advanced level registered nurses and their deployment across all settings. We are aware that in other professions and in some settings, there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of advanced level nursing to patients and the health and social care system. This can lead to inaccurate narrative, deployment or critique of nursing staff working at an advanced level.

In 2026, the Nursing and Midwifery Council is working to ensure that advanced practice considerations are taken into account through reviews of revalidation and the Code.

References

Royal College of Nursing Library and Museum (2026) Subject Guide: Advanced Nursing Practice. Available at: rcn.org.uk/library/Subject-Guides/advanced-nursing-practice (Accessed 26 March 2026).