The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has urged countries across the Americas to strengthen and expand the role of advanced practice nursing as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare services and build more people-centered health systems. The call was made ahead of International Nurses Day on May 12, highlighting the growing importance of nurses in addressing healthcare challenges across the region.
According to PAHO, nurses represent the largest segment of the health workforce in the Americas, with nearly 7.4 million professionals serving in hospitals, clinics, and communities. Nurses play a critical role in health promotion, disease prevention, chronic disease management, and community care, especially in rural and remote regions where access to physicians remains limited.
PAHO emphasized that advanced practice nurses receive specialized training that enables them to take on broader clinical responsibilities with greater autonomy. Their duties can include assessing patients, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatments, monitoring health conditions, and supporting community-based healthcare delivery systems.
The organization noted that more than 100 countries worldwide have already incorporated advanced practice nursing into their healthcare systems. In the Americas, countries such as Canada and United States have established advanced nursing models, while several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are working to develop regulatory frameworks, professional training systems, and new healthcare delivery approaches.
PAHO stated that evidence shows advanced practice nurses contribute to improved healthcare access, better continuity of care, and higher patient satisfaction. Their expanded role also supports more compassionate and people-focused healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities where healthcare shortages remain a major concern.
However, the organization acknowledged that several barriers continue to slow implementation across the region. These include outdated healthcare regulations, insufficient specialized training opportunities, and resistance to changing traditional healthcare delivery models that have historically centered around physician-led care.
PAHO said it is collaborating with governments and health institutions throughout the Americas to address these challenges by supporting workforce planning, strengthening interprofessional healthcare teams, and promoting modern regulatory systems focused on individuals, families, and communities. The agency stressed that expanding the nursing profession is both a strategic investment in healthcare efficiency and a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage in the region.
