Yafa Haron
Yezreel Valley College, Israel
Title: The role and function of the palliative care nurse practitioner in Israel
Biography
Biography: Yafa Haron
Abstract
Research studies emphasize the importance of the nurse practitioner (NP) role in the continuum of care, patient health outcome, and the formation of a positive work environment. There are different reports about the extent of care delivered by the nurse practitioner in different fields of expertise and in different countries.
Objective: To present the characteristics of the Israeli nurse practitioner, the extent of the role and practice, activities, role responsibilities, and job satisfaction.
Methods: A descriptive computerized survey targeted palliative care nurse practitioners (PCNP). The study included nurses from all regions and districts in Israel, regardless of the nurses’ HMO or hospital affiliations.
Results: Research findings revealed partial implementation of the NP position in the health system. Although the NPs were highly satisfied with the position of PCNP and factors related to the scope of practice such as direct patient care and care management activities, most of the NPs were dissatisfied with the working environment.
Conclusions: The complexity of the implementation of the NP role requires prior planning for role introduction, mentorship for the NP, and understanding of the interface between the NP and other professional staff.