Critical analysis of the evolution of a Canadian nurse practitioner role.

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the evolution of a nurse practitioner (NP) role in Canada using the province of Ontario as an example. Two theoretical models are used to highlight the historical development of this role and provide direction for further NP role development. The evolution of the NP role encompasses 2 critical phases: initiation and discontinuation (early 1970s to mid-1980s) and establishment and impasse (early …