Diversified nursing practice in ambulatory care.

Expanding RN utilization in the ambulatory care setting provides numerous cost and patient care benefits during a time when health care costs are rising. Ambulatory care management personnel and physicians should analyze their present staffing and patient mix to determine if using a diversified nursing practice could benefit their practice. Nurses have been an integral part of the health care team since the 1800s. As the 21st Century quickly approaches, the role of the RN will be critical as ambulatory medicine attempts to improve patient satisfaction and patient access while continuing to provide quality care in a cost-effective manner.