Clinical nurse specialist collaboration with physicians

The nurse-physician relationship is the major dyad of the health care delivery system. The integration of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) role in collaboration with physicians is an evolving style of practice reflecting collegial relationships. Various issues are associated with collaborative practice. Obstacles to collaboration between CNSs and physicians are addressed, followed by strategies to promote collaborative practice. Essential components of collaboration are identified. The impacts of collaborative practice on health care professionals and consumers are explored. Support for CNS and physician collaboration is validated by reports of CNS and physician collaborative practices.