A welfare state is defined as: “a system whereby the government undertakes to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, especially those in financial or social need, by means of grants, pensions, and other benefits.” Both the United States of American and Iceland are considered welfare states, however the role each government plays in regards to healthcare is monumentally different. The dissimilar approaches to healthcare can be explained by the regime each country follows. Iceland is a social democratic welfare state that has a high degree of de-commodification. This means that citizens of a democratic welfare state are given certain services regardless of the economic situation. This is true in regards to personal finance and the financial state of the nation. The United States functions as a liberal democratic welfare state which mean that citizens are treated on an individual
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In 2010 Iceland had 4875 nurses and nurse midwives which is equivalent to about 15 nurses to every 1000 people. Iceland had 1146 physicians in 2010 which is equivalent to about 3.5 physicians per 1000 patients most of which work in the public health system. Where in the United States there were 2.5 physicians per 1000 patients many of which work in private practices (Resnikoff, 2012). Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are not widely used in Iceland. On the other hand the United States utilizes mid-level providers in almost every healthcare setting. Utilizing nurse practitioners and physician assistants gives an advantage to patients in the United States as it opens up more opportunities to seek care. Both the United States and Iceland offer BSN, MSN and doctorate degree in nursing. There are not any associate degrees for registered nurses in Iceland, and there is a downhill trend of this degree program in the United States. (Dezee
In 2010 Iceland had 4875 nurses and nurse midwives which is equivalent to about 15 nurses to every 1000 people. Iceland had 1146 physicians in 2010 which is equivalent to about 3.5 physicians per 1000 patients most of which work in the public health system. Where in the United States there were 2.5 physicians per 1000 patients many of which work in private practices (Resnikoff, 2012). Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are not widely used in Iceland. On the other hand the United States utilizes mid-level providers in almost every healthcare setting. Utilizing nurse practitioners and physician assistants gives an advantage to patients in the United States as it opens up more opportunities to seek care. Both the United States and Iceland offer BSN, MSN and doctorate degree in nursing. There are not any associate degrees for registered nurses in Iceland, and there is a downhill trend of this degree program in the United States. (Dezee