Date of Award

5-1-2005

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are an underutilized resource in Manitoba. The purpose of this literature review was to provide an overview of the current situation of nurse practitioners in Manitoba, and to provide research-based recommendations for the implementation of nurse practitioners in Manitoba. The recommendations are:

1. The current regulating body of Registered Nurses in Manitoba (College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, or CRNM) must recognize nurse practitioners as expert nurses, in following Benner's (1984) stages of nursing practice. This recognition would require a graduate degree as an entry-level educational requirement.

2. NP licensure must be required in order to provide a standardized professional designation to the public and to provide a means for regulation and disciplinary action (Bennett, 2001).

3. Lastly, legislation must be enacted that allows nurse practitioners to have an autonomous practice within a defined scope of practice, in line with their graduate education (Hall, 2000).

Implementation of these research-based recommendations would allow Manitoba residents to have greater access to effective, cost-efficient primary care.

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