Abstract: Objective: To construct the framework of core competence for Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in China, and to provide a reference for APN training and evaluation. Methods: The element pool of core competence for APN was formed by job analysis and literature review. Delphi method was used for evaluation, screening and integration of the core competence elements. Results: After two rounds of Delphi consultations, the APN core competence framework was formed, including 6 dimensions (care, consultation, coordination, leadership, teaching and research) and 15 secondary indexes. The authority coefficient for both rounds of expert consultation was 0.89. The importance score of the dimensions ranged from 4.58 to 4.95, with a coefficient of variation score of 0.04 to 0.13. The importance score of the secondary indexes ranged from 4.52 to 5.00, with a coefficient of variation score of 0 to 0.23. Conclusion: The constructed framework of core competence for APN is scientific, reliable and practical, and it is expected to provide reference for the related research and practice of APN in China.

Key words: Advanced Practice Nurse; core competency; Delphi method