Abstract
Background and aims: Prescribing is an important development for the nursing profession. It improves the quantity and quality of healthcare and increases the professional autonomy of nurses. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the status of nurse prescribing and identify related challenges and opportunities, focusing on the results of studies conducted in this field in Iran.
Methods: This narrative review study was conducted in 2025 on Persian and English studies on nurse prescribing in Iran. Data were collected by searching several Persian keywords equal to prescribing, nurse, and prescription. In addition, English keywords ‘Nurse,’ ‘Prescriber,’ ‘Prescribing,’ and ‘Prescription’ were searched independently and in combination using specific search indicators in national (SID and Magiran) and international (ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar) databases, without time limits.
Results: After a careful review, 18 articles were identified and investigated, comprising 9 qualitative articles, 4 quantitative articles, 3 review articles, and 2 letters to the editor. The results revealed that the discussion of nurse prescribing in Iran is a new topic, and there is increasing attention among health policymakers and nursing researchers in this regard.
Conclusion: It should be noted that nurse prescribing in Iran has not yet been recognized as a legal duty. Accordingly, the reformation of laws related to nursing prescribing can have a positive impact on Iran’s health system, thereby improving health services.