The Attending Nurse: a new role for the advanced clinician

The Attending Nurse Model as a unique role for the advanced practitioner was implemented and evaluated in an acute care psychiatric setting with an adolescent patient population. Program evaluation results demonstrated that the Attending Nurse role increased general satisfaction and role clarity while decreasing role tension. In addition, the role increased communication with patients' family members. Comparisons are made between the traditional primary nurse and the Attending Nurse roles.