The implications of health policy for nursing: at a glance

Nursing needs policy, it provides the context to our practice, roles, knowledge andframes our patients' day to day lives. This article defines what we mean by policy andwhat influences its development. With the use of health policy examples theimplications for nursing are explained and ideas on how policy is implemented inpractice set out. As health is a devolved issue policy comparisons are made betweenthe four regions of the UK. Finally, the implications of current policy change on nursingroles and skill mix shows how future developments in our professional are beingdirected