Abstract
Objective
To consider the alignment of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role in NZ with the goals
and aspirations of the many countries facing challenges to maintaining health service
delivery and reducing health disparities.
Methods
Data was collected as a component of a larger institutional ethnography but for this
paper was thematically analysed to answer specific questions about NP practice alignment
with a transformative service agenda. Interviews were conducted with NPs and management
staff in private general practices, health clinics operated by District Health Boards
(DHBs), and not for profit health providers, including Primary Health Organisations
(PHOs), and community/indigenous health clinics.
Results
The findings demonstrate that NPs have competently taken on a range of previously
deemed medical tasks but also practice congruently with a nursing approach to practice.
They provide comprehensive person and family centred care, focussing on seamless and
integrated service delivery. Because their role is often regarded as only a substitute
for medicine they are often employed in ways that limit their full potential.
Conclusion and implications
NPs can provide a service that closely replicates the goals of the NZ Health Strategy
(2016) and the current aspirations of many countries concerned to provide sustainable
health services.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 22, 2016
Accepted:
December 5,
2016
Received in revised form:
December 1,
2016
Received:
July 22,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
