Why Nurses Need More Authority

Earlier this week, John Rowe, professor of Health Policy and Management at the Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, wrote an Op-Ed in The Atlantic emphasizing the importance of allowing nurses to practice to the full extent of their training. Citing the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, Dr. Rowe discussed how advanced practice nurses (APRNs) can fill the primary shortage gap by providing services that is within their scope of practice. Dr. Rowe goes on to highlight the growing battle between physician and nurse organizations, which we have previously covered (here and here).

We encourage all of you to read this very poignant Op-Ed that supports a stronger role for nurses in the 21st century health care workforce.