title: Proposals for registered nurse prescribing: perceptions and intentions of nurses working in primary health care settings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2013, the Nursing Council of New Zealand consulted on a proposal for introduction of registered nurse (RN) prescribing at two levels (specialist and community) within the designated class of prescriber. The proposal builds on the success of the diabetes nurse specialist prescribing project and the experience of other countries where RN prescribing is well established.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the views and intentions of nurses who work in primary health care (PHC) settings about the two levels of RN prescribing proposed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved a self-reported survey using a non-probability sample of RNs working in PHC settings (N=305). Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed descriptively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The respondents were experienced nurses. Overall, 82.3% expressed interest in becoming a community nurse prescriber, and 62.6% expressed interest in the specialist prescriber level. RN prescribing was expected to improve efficiency and access to medicines for high-needs populations, clarify accountability and improve nurses' autonomy. The education requirements for the specialist level were viewed as appropriate but too onerous for many. Requirements were viewed as inadequate for the community level. Concerns were raised about funding for education and support for RN prescribing roles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses were positive about the proposals and see a potential to meet significant unmet health need. Nurses are already engaged in the provision of medicines to patients and prescribing authority would ensure they are suitably qualified to engage in these tasks. A clear policy platform will be needed if the proposed levels of RN prescribing are to be successfully implemented.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Massey University, Wallace Street, Mt Cook, Wellington 6140, New Zealand. j.wilkinson@massey.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000451:nursing*; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009726:Nurses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*