Changing house staff attitudes toward nurse practitioners during their residency training

Abstract

This study examines the hypothesis that increased physician contact with nurse practitioners (NPs) during residency training would encourage positive house staff attitudes. House staff expectations of and attitudes toward NPs were assessed at 3 points during the residency. Data indicated a more positive evaluation of NPs by house staff later in the residency program, as shown by: physician expectations and valuation of NPs, attitudes concerning future employment of NPs, and the extent and capacity of NP utilization by residents.