Abstract
In this paper, written following the recent workshop on advanced practice, the author takes a fresh look at the meaning of expert, specialist and advanced practice.  She proposes that they are distinctive and complementary aspects of every nursing role, and suggests a set of attributes for each.

Keywords
expert, specialist, advanced practice

Introduction
On 1-3 March 1999, the College of Nurses Aotearoa, supported by the Ministry of Health and other health groups, provided a forum for 150 Nurses to meet and make progress on the development of a framework for advanced nursing practice and graduate clinical education in New Zealand.  Consensus was reached on some issues, other issues were identified for further investigation, and a group was nominated to follow up the outcomes of the conference.  I had the privilege of organising the prereading for the workshop, and will be a member of the follow-up group.  This involvement caused me to read and reflect on many issues, particularly the current confusion about terminology and titles.