The advanced practice nurse and physician relationship: considerations for practice

Although physician and nurse relationships have traditionally been a challenge, evolving changes in health care delivery offer the advanced practice nurse (APN) on opportunity to redefine the scope. Several issues will have an impact on this course. Initially, the condition of employment, as well as the physician's perception of the APN's role and the physician's commitment to role preservation, will be primary influences. Secondary factors include defining the role, scope of practice, and mechanisms for practice evaluation. This process will require and ongoing dialogue and selected strategies to develop and maintain physician relationships.