Abstract
Currently, economic and social pressures have resulted in a dramatic restructuring of health care organizations. Hospitals under heavy pressure to contain prices are moving rapidly toward the deskilling of nursing duties as an immediate way to reduce their labor costs. This article discusses this movement and how, while at first glance it may appear acceptable, the change is nothing more than a movement from Taylorism to Fordism. Deskilling is a step backward for the industry and it has serious implications for patient care. The industry should instead be attempting to build on the flexibility that has always been inherent in nursing so as to create an adaptable workforce capable of going beyond Fordism. For this concept to come to fruition, however, nursing will need to be given more decision-making authority over its role in the health-care delivery system.
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Catherine Lundy, M. Nursing beyond fordism. Employ Respons Rights J 9, 163–171 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02622257
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02622257