Alternative models for specialty nursing practice

Specialization in nursing dates from the early part of the twentieth century. Since 1925 the specialty movement has escalated, and the specialty programs have been moving to the master's degree level. There are two different models for specialization: One is the nursing model that focuses on advanced content from the behavioral sciences, education, and nursing. The specialists who use the nursing model focus on the caring role of the nurse. The specialists who follow the other model, the collaborative model, bring their nursing skills with them, and they acquire advanced knowledge of medicine and the behavioral and biological sciences. They work closely with physicians, diagnosing and treating patients. Most of the specialists within the collaborative model are covered by an additional level of state certification or licensure.