Advanced practice nurses leading the way: a rural perspective introduction.
It is estimated that greater than 40 million Americans are uninsured in the US, and this number is growing (Yoder-Wise, 2003). Often it is APNs and family practice physicians who partner and deliver care in modest clinics with limited resources in rural America. Basic health care needs, which include screening lab work and routine health procedures in annual physical exams, can be met by APNs practicing in rural America. Teaming with physician colleagues helps to provide greater coverage to many citizens who would not otherwise receive any health care. The importance of the direct care delivery that APNs provide to our citizens is invaluable. The numbers of APNs must grow to meet the complex health care needs of a growing number of our countrymen and countrywomen. Leadership in providing health promotion, disease prevention, and direct patient care is an important role that APNs will continue to provide. Regulatory agencies, physician partners, and state boards of nursing need to remain supportive of this important role and confirm their commitment to our citizenry in their support of the primary care provided by APNs in this country.
Mississippi University of Women, USA. psmyth@muw.edu
Patsy E
PE
Smyth
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce