Nursing roles and responsibilities conducted by registered nurse/BSN student dyads across ambulatory clinical sites in medically underserved communities

Abstract

Background: Increasingly, registered nurses (RNs) are incorporated into ambulatory care teams. Yet, limited research exists on the roles of RNs across these settings.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the roles performed by RNs (and their senior BSN students) in primary care and public health settings.

Methods: Working with nine RN preceptors, 15 students tracked all patient visits during a 150-h immersion experience using the Typhon™ clinical-tracking software.

Results: The BSN student/RN dyads conducted 1218 patient visits completing 8536 RN roles in 15 distinct categories. Most patients were African American and female (n = 736; 60.1 %) with an average age of 38.4 (SD 22.12). Patient demographics varied by site. The most common roles performed by the RN/student dyad were health assessment, behavioral health screening, and telehealth. Roles of the RNs and the student level of independence were significantly different across sites (Fisher's Exact test [p < .001]).

Conclusions: Our results argue that RNs are providing substantial value to these FQHC and public heath settings. An academic/practice partnership, including a shared curricular review, can provide a strategic advantage for educators to ensure that health systems realize the unique roles for RNs and educators provide 21st century education.

Keywords: Ambulatory care; Nursing roles; Registered nurses.