The Mutual and Individual Role Expectations of Nurses and Physicians

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive, correlational study was to identify the metal and individual role expectations of physicians and nurses, and to identify discrepant perceptions, if any, on the part of one or the other. A total of sixty-five (54%) nurses and 78 (43%) physicians completed the Nurse and Physician Role Questionnaire and demographic data sheet. Two-tailed t-tests were utilized to test each hypothesis and to measure the differences between the nurses' and physicians' perceptions as expressed in each item response. Significant differences were found between the two groups' perceptions of their own role and the role of the other. Physicians differed in their expectations regarding both the nurse's role and their own role more so than did the nurses.