Citizens argue that nurses are not doctors; in other words, they do not deserve autonomy to have primary care for patients. Susan E. Baker, author of “The Nurse Practitioner in Malpractice Actions: Standard Care and Theory of Liability” argues that nurses should not have autonomy because as nurses gain more autonomy, liability increases. Baker states, “As NPs achieve administrative autonomy and move into independent practice, they will become exposed to increased liability for malpractice actions" (par. 1). Nurse practitioners are limited to what they can do but still try and push the limits by attempting to see patients individually. Baker continues to argues that nurse practitioners should not have autonomy. She supports herself by saying healthcare is continuing to develop and it is limiting the practice of nurse practitioners and nurses will not be able to achieve what they want (Baker par. 1). Baker feels strongly that nurse practitioners should not push the law; in other words, she believes that nurses should not have autonomy. Even though these authors believe nurses should have more autonomy, their view is wrong. Not only are citizens arguing that nurses should not have autonomy over patients because they are not doctors and there is an issue between nurses and patient technicians as well. Author Suhni Li et al. of “Nurse-Related Clinical Non-licensed Personnel in U.S. Hospitals and Their Relationship with Nurse Staffing Levels” summarizes, "On the other hand, Potter et al. (2003) found a negative association between RN and patient care technicians, suggesting a possible substitution effect" (par. 12).Li et al. argues nurses should not have autonomy because they are not doctors and because the nurses cannot cooperate with patient technicians. Both authors are stating that nurses do not deserve autonomy. They are arguing this because as nurses earn more autonomy, the liability then increases. Also, nurses cannot cooperate with technicians, which shows if nurses cannot cooperate with technicians they will not be able to handle their own autonomy. Even though citizens believe nurses cannot cooperate with technicians, they deserve recognition for their work and should have more autonomy.
Common sense seems to dictate that nurses should not have rights to primary care over patients; however, some citizens believe nurses should have rights for primary care over patients.Sandeep Jauhar author of “Nurses Are Not Doctors” exemplifies the law in New York for nurses and primary care: “New York State Legislature passed a bill granting nurse practitioners the right to provide primary care without physician oversight” (par. 1). Some states have already passed a law for nurses to have primary care for patients; therefore, it would be reasonable for all nurses to have primary care for patients in all fifty states. In fact, if other states allow nurses to have primary care, then all states should allow nurses to have primary care. Nurses cannot exceed their limit of autonomy. Tillmandescribes what nurses can do and what they cannot: “A nurse practitioner … can provide basic primary care. … can treat a flu patient, prescribe an antibiotic for an ear infection, perform a wellness exam or help a patient manage his diabetes. … can order tests and recommend follow-up care” (par. 2). Nurses obtain responsibility as to what Tillman listed so there is no reason as to why nurses could not have primary care over patients. If nurses had the responsibilities that Tillman listed, then nurses should have primary care for patients. Tillman continues to describe that nurses in different states may work independently compared to others. He says that in Colorado a nurse practitioner may work independently from a doctor. If he or she were to move to a state that did not have this law, the nurse practitioner would be unable to work independently and would have to work under a physician (par. 4).Admittedly, nurses should be able to have primary care for patients. While some citizens believe nurses should not have primary care for patients, others believe nurses should. Nurses should have autonomy over patients because they fulfill their responsibilities that are related to what physicians do as well.