Position Paper: Expanded Role of the Nurse

Abstract

Why is it necessary at this time to articulate a position on the "expanded" role of the nurse? It is true that for some time now there has been a notable public outcry against fragmented and expensive health care, as well as increased public awareness of appropriate and satisfactory health care. The question, however, remains whether or not an expanded nursing role will have the desired impact on the health care delivery system. In other words, if nurses share a greater responsibility in heretofore medical procedures will public demands be more effectively met? The question must also be raised as to whose role is expanding. For many years registered nurses in special settings have performed what are now seen as "expanded" functions. In remote areas, as well as other situations when a physician is not available, nurses have engaged in patient assessment and carried out primary care. One issue which seems to be open for debate now is whether or not nurses are to engage in primary care in settings when the physician is present and if, in fact, this will solve the health care delivery system dilemma. Perhaps, another alternative might be to lift the medical school student quotas which would bring many more doctors into the labor force; of course, with the well known economic consequences to the medical profession.