Characteristics and role functions of advanced practice nurses in a tertiary pediatric setting. 
To describe the characteristics and role functions of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in a tertiary pediatric setting.  This descriptive survey design used a convenience sample (N = 39) of APNs at The Children's Hospital in Denver.  A 56-item survey asked participants to define their role by rating how often they performed various primary and specialty care functions.  Findings validated the notion that APNs combine expert knowledge and practice skills into a holistic framework to provide sick children and their families with a full range of comprehensive services across a variety of settings.  APNs work collaboratively with physicians and other professionals and are an excellent resource for students.  Describing and characterizing how APNs contribute to and enhance the delivery of care help to clarify and authenticate the scope of practice of the pediatric acute care APN.