Setting up a Cardio Thoracic Nurse Practitioner Program in the Developing World: Lessons Learnt

The role of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) is gaining importance worldwide. Many countries in the West and Europe have embraced this new role. The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) initiated the role of NP for five mid-level nurses in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. The program was developed and run jointly by the Department of Cardio- thoracic surgery, Critical Care Nursing services and the Aga Khan School of Nursing and Midwifery. The program was a hospital certification program.
Case Report: The program was based on the work base model which allowed the NP’s to study and work at the same time. Blended Learning methodologies were utilized. The process from conceptualization to implementation will be outlined.
This paper will discuss the innovation of the new role of NPs. The challenges encountered as well the strengths and weaknesses will be discussed with a view that lessons learnt will go a long way in setting up similar NP programs locally and regionally.