Critical analysis of the evolution of a Canadian nurse practitioner role

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2005

Publication Title

Canadian Journal of Nursing Research

Volume

37

Issue

4

First Page

116

Keywords

article, Attitude of Health Personnel, Canada, competitive behavior, conflict, Conflict (Psychology), Dissent and Disputes, doctor nurse relation, education, Education, Nursing, Graduate, financial management, health personnel attitude, health service, Health Services Needs and Demand, History of nursing, human, Humans, Job Description, leadership, Lobbying, Marketing of Health Services, model, Models, Nursing, nurse attitude, nurse practitioner, Nurse practitioners, Nurse's Role, nursing education, Ontario, organization, Organizational Innovation, Organizational Objectives, organization and management, philosophy, Philosophy, Nursing, Physician-Nurse Relations, politics, Primary health care, Professional Autonomy, professional practice, Professional role, psychological aspect, system analysis, Systems Analysis, work

Last Page

137

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the evolution of a nurse practitioner (NP) role in Canada using the province of Ontario as an example. Two theoretical models are used to highlight the historical development of this role and provide direction for further NP role development. The evolution of the NP role encompasses 2 critical phases: initiation and discontinuation (early 1970s to mid-1980s) and establishment and impasse (early 1990s to the present). Current barriers to the full integration of NPs within primary health care include the lack of a workable and stable funding plan for NPs, restrictions on scope of practice, work-related tensions between physicians and NPs, and lack of public and professional awareness of the role. Nurses can address these barriers through advocacy, lobbying, and public education. © McGill University School of Nursing.

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