Advanced Practice Nurses: The new role in Ticino’s healthcare system

Context

TL;DR

• Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are crucial for Ticino's healthcare challenges.
• APNs reduce wait times and improve care for cross-border workers.
• Ticino's APN training started in 2018, with 60 professionals trained so far.
• APNs can prescribe medications, optimizing healthcare resources.

Key facts

• Event Date: May 20, 2024
• Event Location: University Campus, Lugano
• APN Training Start: 2018
• APN Training Frequency: Every two years
• APN Training Cost: 4,500 CHF annually
• APN Training Duration: Two years
• APN Training Provider: SUPSI
• APN Prescription Authority: Yes, under strict protocols

On Monday, May 20, 2024, the University Campus in Lugano hosted the fourth edition of the Nursing Innovation and Research Day, jointly organized by the EOC and SUPSI. The event, which brought together over 150 professionals in the field, placed the spotlight on the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) role—a figure that is increasingly strategic in addressing the healthcare challenges facing the Canton.

According to Loris Bonetti, Head of Nursing Research at EOC, the day's goal was to highlight the collaboration between clinical practice and research. 'It is essential that issues or needs arising from clinical practice are translated into research projects and then fed back into practice,' he explained during his speech. This synergy enables the development of concrete solutions to improve patient care, particularly in a context of an aging population and rising incidence of chronic diseases.

The APN profile: skills and responsibilities

Monica Bianchi, Head of the Master of Science in Nursing Care at SUPSI, outlined the characteristics of the APN: 'This figure works directly at the patient's bedside but with advanced training that makes them a reference point for the nursing team. The APN not only guides the team's ethical decisions but also trains colleagues and researches the best scientific evidence to optimize care.' Their presence responds to a growing demand for specialized skills, especially in a region like Ticino, where healthcare demand often exceeds the supply of qualified staff.

According to Manuela Eicher, Director of the University Institute for Training and Research in Health at Lausanne, 'In Switzerland, there are over 100,000 nurses, but an aging population and chronic diseases require constant innovation in the sector.' The Canton of Vaud, a pioneer in this field, already adopted a law in 2018 allowing APNs to prescribe medications and intervene directly—a regulation later extended nationwide. 'Research is essential to drive the advancement of nursing practices and ensure increasingly effective care,' Eicher emphasized.

Ticino's training: a path launched in 2018

In Ticino, APN training began in 2018 with the Master of Science in Nursing Care offered by SUPSI. 'We started four years behind the rest of Switzerland, but we were able to learn from others' mistakes,' Bianchi explained. The master's program, held every two years, has already trained 60 professionals who now work in various healthcare settings across the Canton. 'These nurses, with diverse roles, have become an added value for teams and patients,' she concluded. Ticino's training stands out for its practical, research-oriented approach, aligned with local needs.

Operational details

The introduction of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in the healthcare landscape of Ticino marks a concrete turning point for cross-border workers and patients who live in Ticino but work in Lombardy, or vice versa. This new role can reduce the fragmentation of care between the two healthcare systems, ensuring more effective continuity of care. But what are the practical implications for those living in this cross-border reality?

Impact on cross-border workers: shorter waits, more targeted care

Cross-border workers seeking care in the Ticino healthcare system could benefit from faster and more personalized assistance. 'APNs can directly intervene in managing chronic therapies, such as diabetes or hypertension, reducing the need for specialist visits,' explains a nurse trained in the SUPSI master’s program. This means fewer days off work to visit a general practitioner or specialist—a significant advantage for those who cross the border daily.

Moreover, the APN figure can act as a bridge between the Italian and Swiss healthcare systems. 'Many cross-border workers struggle to navigate the two systems, especially due to bureaucratic or language barriers,' adds a sector expert. Thanks to their advanced training, APNs can facilitate understanding of different procedures and ensure more homogeneous care management.

📊 Key benefit: Reduced waiting times for minor adjustments to therapies, such as medication prescriptions, without needing to see a doctor.

Comparison with the past: before and after the APN

Before the introduction of the APN, Ticino patients and cross-border workers often faced long waits for specialist visits or therapy adjustments. Now, they can turn directly to a nurse with advanced skills for minor care adjustments without waiting for doctor’s appointments.

A concrete example concerns medication management. In Ticino, APNs can prescribe certain medicines, a possibility that reduces pressure on general practitioners and streamlines care pathways. 'This role allows us to optimize the use of healthcare resources, especially in a context of staff shortages,' emphasizes an EOC representative.

⚠️ Note: APNs in Ticino operate under strict protocols and collaboration with doctors, ensuring patient safety and care quality.

Future scenarios: what changes for patients

In the coming years, the APN could become an increasingly present figure in Ticino’s hospital wards and care centers. 'We are working to expand training offerings and include new specializations, such as chronic pain management or oncology patient care,' says Bianchi. This development could also significantly impact cross-border workers, who may access higher-level healthcare services without crossing the border.

Another aspect to monitor is collaboration between Ticino APNs and their Lombardy colleagues. 'We are evaluating pilot projects to share best practices and train mixed teams,' explains a SUPSI official. This synergy could lead to higher care standards on both sides of the border.

💡 Trend: Expansion of APN roles in specialized areas, improving access to care for cross-border populations.

📌 For more information on cross-border healthcare and permits, visit the official cantonal portal or the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.

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Key points

For cross-border workers and healthcare professionals interested in becoming Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), SUPSI has launched a structured two-year training program that runs every two years. Here are the key steps to access the Master of Science in Nursing and acquire the necessary skills.

Admission requirements for the master's program

The program, active since 2018, is open to nurses holding a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification recognized in Switzerland. 'No specific degree is required, but at least two years of professional experience are essential,' explains Monica Bianchi. Applications must be submitted to SUPSI by the deadlines listed on the official website, typically in January for a September start.

Program structure: what you will study

The master's program spans two years, combining in-person classes with practical placements at EOC facilities. 'The curriculum includes modules on nursing leadership, applied research, chronic care management, and complex patient management,' says Bianchi. Students are required to develop a research project, which is presented during the Innovation Day event.

Costs and funding opportunities

The annual cost of the master's program is approximately 4,500 CHF, though scholarships and discounts are available for EOC employees. 'We collaborate with the health directorate to offer discounts to our staff,' notes an EOC representative. Additionally, some healthcare companies in the region provide training contracts that cover part of the expenses.

Enrollment and deadlines

Applications for the next edition of the master's program will open in January 2025, with classes beginning in September 2025. 'We recommend preparing your documentation well in advance, especially for those who need to have their foreign qualifications recognized,' advises Bianchi. Detailed information, including application forms and selection criteria, is available on the SUPSI website (SUPSI Master in Nursing).

Career opportunities after completing the program

The 60 nurses already trained in Ticino hold diverse roles: from managing hospital wards to consulting for home care, as well as training colleagues. 'The opportunities are vast, both in the public and private sectors,' emphasizes Bianchi. For cross-border workers, this specialization offers a chance to advance their careers without having to switch healthcare systems.

Practical advice for cross-border workers

If you are a cross-border worker considering becoming an APN, carefully assess the career and work flexibility benefits. 'An APN can work in both Ticino and Lombardy, provided their qualifications are recognized by the local health authority,' explains an expert. However, it is crucial to check the specific regulations of the region where you intend to practice.

For those already active in the sector, SUPSI organizes workshops and information days to showcase the opportunities offered by the master's program. 'These events are open to everyone and provide a chance to discuss with faculty and former students,' concludes Bianchi.

📊 Find out if the APN training is right for you and compare pathways using our dedicated tool. Or calculate your net salary to assess the financial impact of this specialization.

Source: ticinonews.ch