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The scope of private practice nursing in an Australian sample

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 01:28 authored by Wilson, A, Averis, A, Kenneth Walsh
The changing Australian health care system is creating new opportunities for nurses who work directly with clients in private practice settings. This study examines the scope of practice of a cohort of nurses in private practice. In a questionnaire sent to 106 self-employed nurse entrepreneurs, questions were asked pertaining to the participants' scope of practice, their clients, the types of services offered, and their fee structures. Questions about scope of practice were divided into domains of clinical practice, business consultancy, education, and research. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected for a final sample 54 eligible responses. Participants had been in private practice for an average of 7.6 years (range: 1-20) and reported a mean of 21 years of nursing experience (range: 4-42) before entering private practice. Over half held diplomas in speciality areas. Most participants reported clinical practice, consultancy, or education as the primary work domain; research was much less important as a work activity. Nurses reported difficulties with building client base and receiving adequate fees for service, particularly in clinical practice. Increasing awareness within the nursing profession and health sector about various aspects of private practice nursing could improve service quality for their clients.

History

Publication title

Public Health Nursing

Volume

21

Issue

5

Pagination

488-494

ISSN

0737-1209

Department/School

School of Nursing

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.

Place of publication

United States

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Nursing