title: Subspecialization within psychiatric consultation-liaison nursing.
abstract: Specialization within health care is evolving in response to the proliferation of knowledge about disease treatment and health management. The practice of psychiatric consultation-liaison nursing in the acute care hospital is diversifying through subspecialization as a result of this trend. This article examines the concept of subspecialization within psychiatric consultation-liaison nursing practice. Subspecialization is presented as a safeguard for professional viability and as a hallmark of quality consumer care. Specialization has advantages and potential disadvantages for nursing practice. Strategies are described that maximize the benefits and minimize the disadvantages of subspecialization.
authors.affiliation: Neurosciences Nursing Department, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Moschler
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fincannon
mesh_terms: D003253:Consultants; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008389:Marketing of Health Services; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D012380:Role; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends