Nurse psychotherapists' experiences in obtaining individual practice privileges

Nurses who function as primary care providers often want direct access to hospitalized clients. Individual practice privileges provide one means by which such providers can admit and treat their clients in institutional settings. This article describes a study in which nurse psychotherapists report their experiences in obtaining individual staff privileges. Findings of the study have implications for other primary care nurses seeking such privileges. The authors conclude that current conditions within the health care system may be favorable in facilitating individual practice privileges for nurses.