Nurse Practitioners in a Crowded Marketplace: 1965-1985

Since the late 1960s, nurse practitioners have played a major role in the provision of primary health-care services to previously underserved communities. However, with the accelerated supply of primary care providers, particularly physicians, and with the declining utilization of services, opportunities for practice are becoming increasingly constrained for nurse practitioners. This article examines some of the factors that influence workplace encroachment experienced by a growing number of nurse practitioners. It also suggests strategies for mitigating the limiting effects of these factors and for achieving stable practice opportunities for nurse practitioners.