A perspective on changing dynamics in nursing over the past 20 years.

The quest to provide individuals with good quality health care has been a long-term goal in which the contribution of health professionals, specifically nurses, has been vital. However, over the years ever-increasing demands from both the government and the general public for higher levels of performance, combined with problems associated with the long-standing issue of staff shortages, and the constant drive for cost-effectiveness, has meant achieving this objective has become more difficult.