As Congress debates the reform of the American health care system, nurses and the nursing profession must be at the table. Regardless of the health care model that we eventually decide on, nurses can and should be key players in reducing health care costs and increasing efficiency while maintaining the quality of patient care.
The nation is facing a major shortage of primary care and family practice doctors. Health care coverage will potentially be offered to millions more Americans, but the question remains: Who will provide primary care? The answer: nurse practitioners. From private practice to nurse-managed health centers, NPs have proven their capacity to take on this role.