The way health care providers are paid is shifting.

Dr. Kate Fiandt is a professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing and says Instead of being paid for the number of patients they see, and tests ordered, the system is moving toward paying providers based on patient satisfaction, good clinical outcomes and cost effectiveness.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing received a $2.6 million grant to look at improving patient care.

Fiandt says nurses play a key role in this shift.

Fiandt says clinics throughout the state have already started to explore hiring registered nurses in this enhanced role.