Abstract
Nursing around the world is developing very dynamically and nurses are undertaking increasingly complex tasks. The extension of entitlements for nurses in Poland in the area of writing prescriptions and referrals for diagnostic tests seems to be a response to the development and changes occurring in this profession. This will improve the standards of patient care, increase access to medical services and improve the professional status of this group. The aim of this study was to analyze the opinions of nurses regarding their preparedness for administering prescriptions and referrals for diagnostic tests depending on their sense of life satisfaction and the level of occupational burnout. The study was conducted among primary care nurses using a survey technique, using a standardized scale of life satisfaction and a scale to measure burnout. In addition, this study used a proprietary survey questionnaire containing questions regarding the self-assessment of preparedness for new competences. The results showed that nurses do not feel well prepared for new tasks. The levels of life satisfaction and burnout of the nurses surveyed significantly influenced confidence regarding their preparedness for writing prescriptions and referrals for diagnostic tests. Polish nurses have a very cautious attitude towards new competences. However, this is a breakthrough and the first step towards approving the role of an advanced practice nurse in our country.