Where do we go from here? Future directions for positive health outcomes.

The history of nursing and its perspective on the individual as a part of a family and community, nursing's basic professional preparation as generalists, the advanced preparation of Nurse Practitioners, and direct access to clients position the NP to be the premier professional in health promotion. Suggestions for action in education and in practice offer methods for acquiring the recognition of this professional competence as a hallmark of the primary care Nurse Practitioner.