The role of the nurse-practitioner in breast care

Why have a nurse-practitioner in a breast center? This question is appropriate, although it may generate controversy. A hospital-based or freestanding breast diagnostic center that hires a nurse-practitioner is functioning outside the norm. It is unusual to find a nurse-practitioner providing services to women in a breast diagnostic center and representing that center in the community. Until recently, breast diagnostic centers have focused primarily on imaging. However, a breast center wishing to expand services to its patients and referring healthcare providers, as well as market its services to the surrounding community could employ such a nurse. Two issues need to be addressed when discussing the nurse-practitioner in the breast diagnostic center: defining a role for this nurse, which this article discusses, and supporting this role once it is in place.