Building nursing role clarity on a foundation of knowledge and knowledge application

Although a number of factors such as legislation, regulatory frameworks, healthcare system structures and supports impact the optimization of nursing roles, a new look at the nursing process can provide a strong foundation. This article discusses the ambiguity related to the expansion of the licensed practical nurse role over the past 67 years and provides evidence that nurses and healthcare executives, including nurse leaders, still have difficulty in clearly articulating the overlap in categories of nurse, despite the frameworks and tools available to support decision-making. To provide safe, high-quality care using effective and efficient models of care, every category of nurse is essential and role clarity must begin with understanding how to focus on knowledge and knowledge application to make effective decisions in daily practice.