CRNA Insight-Scope of Practice

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Joshua Carr's presentation explores the historical and modern evolution of the scope of practice in nursing. Highlighting nursing's ancient roots, Dr. Carr emphasizes that while the scope of practice is a familiar term, its origins and historical development are not widely understood. He details how nursing roles evolved alongside human history, often invisible yet pivotal. The transition from nursing as a community responsibility to a professional field structured by hierarchical and exclusionary laws is underlined. Influential figures like Florence Nightingale are discussed, noting their impact and the limitations imposed by social structures of their time. Dr. Carr explains that the scope of practice defines legally sanctioned activities within a setting, dictated by regulatory agencies like state boards of nursing. However, he highlights the challenge of these often restraining the profession’s growth due to outdated biases. Emphasizing the importance of professional autonomy, he outlines key historical legislative milestones, like the authorization of direct reimbursement for CRNAs, which cemented progress in the profession. Ultimately, Dr. Carr calls for ongoing advocacy and public engagement to secure and expand the scope of practice for nursing professionals, ensuring its adaptation and relevance in modern healthcare.

Keywords

nursing history

scope of practice

nurse autonomy

Florence Nightingale

Mary Seacole

nurse anesthetists

regulatory bodies

nursing evolution

professional autonomy

historical development

regulatory agencies

nursing advocacy