The promotion of interest in the role of the physician associate as a potential career opportunity for nurses: An alternative strategy

Abstract

Several frameworks are presented for understanding the development of interest in the role of the Physician Associate as a potential career opportunity for nurses. The contribution of professional role identification with nursing, medicine, and amalgamation of the two professions are explored as a basis for career choice. The usefulness of the current mobility model in health careers emphasizing differential vertical and horizontal mobility is contrasted with a classical sociological mobility model. Deficiencies are noted in both professional role identification and mobility models employing horizontal and vertical mobility as a basis for the development of interest in the role of the Physician Associate as a potential career opportunity for nurses.An examination of the factors implicit in the development of the Physician Associate in the emerging nations leads to significant understandings with regard to the development of interest in assuming some roles in those settings. Such cross cultural considerations make possible an integrated approach for understanding interest development of the Physician Associate. Attention is focused upon interest development as a function of: 1. 1. Individual competencies.2. 2. Aspirational patterns.3. 3. The structure of opportunities which are made available, as well as upon specific career strategies.Examination of these factors indicates that a major deterrent to career development by nurses in the role of Physician Associate is the pervasive psycho-sexual deference associated with current nursing practice. Attention to this factor in both training and practice setting is imperative in order to facilitate role alteration by nurses.