This study has examined the ways in which community
nurses experience care contracting and that
negotiation of care is required to strike that balance
between the needs of the client and the ability of the
nurse to meet those needs. Community nursing is
multi-factorial and more support ought to be provided
for nurses to develop the interpersonal skills
that enable them to negotiate realistic boundaries
and care planning with clients. Additionally the
ways in which community nursing practice encompasses
the tenets of patient centred care has been
recognised within this study and warrant further
exploration in terms of patient satisfaction with the
service. Lastly the role of the community nurse in
Australia warrants further research particularly to
explore client care planning, the importance of continuity
of care and the role of the case manager