Consumer Participation: Case Study of the College Health Services Setting

Abstract

Nurses, functioning in expanded roles, have created uneasiness in some circles, particularly medicine. Will these new roles for nurses be competitive or collaborative? It is the thesis of the author that the nurse's new expanded role, which is fast becoming the norm, will be collaborative if there is 1) adequate understanding between the disciplines of nursing and medicine of their respective characteristics and range of activities, and if there is clarification of organizational, financial and certification issues; 2) adequate differentiation between the definitions of health and medical needs; 3) adequate attention and resources are given to prevention of disease and disability and promotion of health in a world dominated by medicine and episodic care; 4) organization and financing of health services that accommodate the utilization of nurses in expanded roles; 5) nurses who prepare themselves scientifically, humanistically, and politically for the type and kind of practitioner that society needs; and if 6) certification of individuals and accreditation of educational programs are controlled by the respective professional group.

However, if the expansion of nursing practice is not recognized, reimbursed, and rewarded appropriately, there will be interprofessional competition for patients or clients, for funds, and for political power.