An exploration of the development of public policy for the introduction of Nurse Practitioners in NSW: 1990–1998

Abstract

In December 2015, there were 1319 nurses authorised to use the title of Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner (NP) role is now accepted within the nursing profession and the wider health care system in many countries around the world. It has been formally recognised as an advanced practice role within nursing and at law in all Australian states and territories. The role of NPs has been shaped by public policy in each specific jurisdiction. This study explores the process of developing public policy required to introduce the NP role to Australia, specifically to the state of New South Wales. Known as the Nurse Practitioner Project (NPP), the development of the public policy that enabled the introduction of NPs took eight years. Using a critical social theory perspective, this study explores the drivers and challenges during the negotiations undertaken to establish the NP role during the period from 1990 to 1998.