Nurse practitioners, cost savings, and improved patient care in the department of surgery.

As competition increases and health care demands continue to rise, it is essential to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of health care provided while delivering cost-effective care which is safe and results in quality outcomes. The addition of nurse practitioners to the department of surgery is not another layer of health care workers doing tasks, but rather it is a process. The role of nurse practitioners and the impact of cost savings and improved care in one department of surgery are described.