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Nurse prescribing. Modifying drug dosage and timing
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|December 19, 1990
Summary
Prescribing nurses, especially those caring for terminally ill patients, face new fundamental responsibilities, not an extended role. Adequate education is crucial for preparing nurses for these evolving practices and enhanced accountability.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Roles
- Palliative Care
Background:
- The series examines evolving nursing practices and responsibilities.
- Focuses on the role of the nurse in terminal care as a case study.
- Highlights the distinction between new responsibilities and the 'extended role' concept.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the changing practices and responsibilities for prescribing nurses.
- To emphasize that these changes constitute a new fundamental function, not an optional addition.
- To underscore the importance of education in preparing nurses for these new roles.
Main Methods:
- Illustrative case study of the nurse for the terminally ill.
- Conceptual analysis of nursing roles and responsibilities.
- Discussion of educational requirements for advanced practice.
Main Results:
- The changes represent a new concept in nursing responsibility.
- These responsibilities are fundamental, not optional extras for specialist nurses.
- Education is identified as the critical factor for preparation.
Conclusions:
- The evolving role of the prescribing nurse requires a fundamental shift in responsibility.
- Specialist community nurses will integrate these new functions as core duties.
- Investment in education is essential for successful adaptation to these changes.