title: Community care gerontological nursing: the independent nurse's role.
abstract: This focused ethnographic study examined the perspectives of seven nurses developing independent practices serving community-based elderly individuals. Six of the nurses' clients, five of whom were foster care providers, were also interviewed. The nursing activities described by these nurses included assessment, documentation, teaching, delegation and assignment, monitoring, advocacy, and support. The services valued by the clients included the nurses' problem-solving approach, advocacy with physicians, and assistance in meeting state licensure requirements. The clients also identified the following benefits: support in providing care to their residents, continuity of care, and personal relationships they developed with the nurses.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, School of Nursing, Ashland 97520, USA.
authors.forename: Rosalie A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Caffrey
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009736:Nursing Process; D009922:Oregon; D011331:Private Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*