Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate expanding the role of nurses in the current U.S. health care system from the standpoint of nurse-patient interactions and nursing interventions to improve patient care and reduce overall health care costs. Background: Many failures in nurse-patient interactions in the hospital and in postrelease setting can be eliminated with different forms of patient-centered care that include patient education, support, and counseling. Method: This study makes use of extensive review of literature from academic databases to analyze increased Nurse Practitioner (NP) role in nurse-patient interactions during patients' in-hospital experience and postrelease environment. Conclusions: Expanding the role of nurses would improve the overall health care system in the United States and save money over the long run. Long-term follow-up with patients would promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the likelihood of return to the hospital. NPs are uniquely positioned to potentially serve as change agents within health care systems. Implications: Nursing educators and managers will need to work closely with policy makers to implement the expanded role of nurses to improve the U.S. health care system.