[Nursing's position in health care delivery system in Iran]

ABSTRACT

Nursing is in the ideal position to meet the numerous challenges facing the health system. But in the health system of Iran, the status of nursing profession is not well explained and, little research has been done in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the role of nursing in health service delivery system in the country was conducted. In order to find studies and resources related to nursing in the health service delivery system, digital databases in the National Library of Medicine of Iran [Elsevier, Nursing index, Nursing consult, Proquest, Scopus, ...] and Google scholar and Persian databases including Irandoc, Iran Medex, Magiran, SID and Medlib was used. Search articles from 1970 to 2012 in English and Persian papers from 1370 to 1390. Using the key words health care system, nursing position and Iran separately and in combination was conducted. The results showed that the nursing profession in Iran does not have a significant importance. More nurses in hospitals, provided nursing care to patients in the secondary level of prevention. And their activities in other areas and other prevention levels in community settings, is very limited. Lack of knowledge about the abilities of nursing has caused low presence in community nursing centers. In Iran, like other developed countries the change in the health care system is necessary and followed by nursing positions will also change. Therefore, managers' effort to enhance and clarify the role of nursing in the health care system in Iran and, prepare nursing profession for servicing in the community seems to be necessary. Nursing system to meet the health needs of people and provide community service in various environments community such as schools, industries, health centers, etc., is suggested, nursing education programs should be reviewed