title: Analysis and synthesis of the role of the advanced practice nurse.
abstract: This is an exciting and challenging period for healthcare in our country. Many changes have already occurred within our system, and many more are on the horizon. As our system evolves, current nursing and healthcare literature describe the present and future needs of patients and communities, as well as how nurse practitioners (NPs) are playing an increasingly important role in providing health services in the United States. This role of the advanced practice nurse (APN), particularly the NP, is examined philosophically and in the context of changing healthcare needs and policies.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D014481:United States