Date Approved

1999

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Nursing (M.S.N.)

Degree Program

College of Nursing

Abstract

While the number of nurse practitioners (NPs) continues to grow, their role and scope of practice can be misunderstood. King’s interacting systems framework was the theoretical basis for this study. This descriptive study asked a convenience sample of physicians (n=128) to indicate their agreement with 37 behaviors for the NP role. The sample was 74.2% male, 49.2% ages 41-50, and 63 .2% practiced primarily in an office setting. Bambini’s (I995) modification of Hupcey’s (1994) instrument was used and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha .97. Behaviors perceived as most appropriate for NPs were those that related to education. A Kruskal-W allis revealed significant differences in clinical research as it related to physician age (p = 03), and years of practice (p = .00). Statistical significance occurred most frequently with practice site and NP level of practice. A Mann-Whitney U revealed significance in 29 behaviors relating to physician practice site and 26 behaviors to NP level of practice.

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Nursing Commons

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