The Nurse Practitioner in Home Care

Since 1889, when the role of the nurse anesthetist as an advanced practice nurse was first recognized in the United States, the roles and utilization of the advanced practice nurse in general and that of the nurse practitioner in particular have expanded significantly. Nurse practitioners are moving into the home health care setting and practice in a variety of specialties within home care. This article discusses the need for the nurse practitioner role in home care, the benefits of the role, and the potential for the role in home care for the future.