Expanded role nurse. Part I. Role theory concepts.

This is the first article of a two-part series describing implementation of Expanded Role Nurse positions at University Hospital, London, Ontario. Part I presents a review of the literature on expanded roles for nurses and the background to implementation of the ERN role at University Hospital. Concepts or role theory are applied to role development and implementation. Expanded role nurse positions have been created at University Hospital in order to maintain high quality patient care in the face of resident cutbacks. These positions provide exciting opportunities for nurses who wish to develop clinical expertise while remaining at the bedside.