The role of nurses in sexual and reproductive health

Abstract

Nursing is acknowledged as providing a unique contribution within health care. Nurses are no longer seen as ‘doctors’ handmaidens’ but as thinking professionals who can build high levels of clinical expertise. The shortage of junior doctors has accelerated a move towards increased expertise for nurses. Nurses are equipping themselves with skills that traditionally have been considered to belong exclusively to the medical profession. Studies looking at the effectiveness of the nurse practitioner role in primary care settings show that suitably qualified nurses are capable of conducting accurate diagnosis and treatment. However such comparative studies only explore nurse-led care within a limited range of services. Doctors who have longer training and wider clinical education will undoubtedly be able to out-perform nurses in the breadth of care and expertise they can offer. (excerpt)