Nurse leaders’ perceptions of integrating the nurse practitioner role in Finland’s wellbeing services counties: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background In Finland, Nurse Practitioner (NP) role integration remains fragmented amid ongoing health and social care reform. Leadership is a key determinant of role development, yet evidence on how nurse leaders advance NP role integration remains limited. Purpose To examine nurse leaders' perceptions of NP role integration within Finland's wellbeing services counties (WSCs). Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected through four focus group interviews with 18 nurse leaders from four WSCs and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Discussion/Conclusions Successful NP integration requires strong nursing leadership and governance. Although large-scale reforms create opportunities to redesign professional roles and workforce models, integration depends on a clear strategic vision and coordinated leadership across policy, organizational and clinical levels. Even when the value of NP roles is recognized, implementation is likely to remain fragmented unless nursing leaders are actively involved in workforce planning, service development and health policy decision-making.