Practical Insights on Expanding Nurse Practitioner’s Role During and Post Hospitalization in U.S. Health Care

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate expanding the role of nurses in the current U.S. health care system from the standpoint of nurse–patient interactions and nursing interventions to improve patient care and reduce overall health care costs. Background: Many failures in nurse–patient interactions in the hospital and in postrelease setting can be eliminated with different forms of patient-centered care that include patient education, support, and counseling. Method: This study makes use of extensive review of literature from academic databases to analyze increased Nurse Practitioner (NP) role in nurse–patient interactions during patients’ in-hospital experience and postrelease environment. Conclusions: Expanding the role of nurses would improve the overall health care system in the United States and save money over the long run. Long-term follow-up with patients would promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the likelihood of return to the hospital. NPs are uniquely positioned to potentially serve as change agents within health care systems. Implications: Nursing educators and managers will need to work closely with policy makers to implement the expanded role of nurses to improve the U.S. health care system.