Nurses are asking to take on more responsibilities.  A new report by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario says there’s a lot of untapped potential among nurses who are capable of doing more than they’re currently allowed to do.  The report recommends nurses be able to diagnose ear infections, prescribe medication and order lab tests.  Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews says the government is moving forward to expand the scope of practice.  She says, “We’ve added more categories of nurses who play such a vital role.  The RNAO argues, and I agree, that nurses are playing such an important role in our healthcare system but could do even more.”  The report, to be released today, also touts lower healthcare costs for increasing responsibilities of nurses.