The advanced practice nurse in gastroenterology. Identifying and comparing care interactions of nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.

Collaborative practice models using advanced practice nurses have been developed to provide high-quality healthcare in a cost-effective manner. Studies in gastroenterology nursing evaluating effectiveness of advanced practice nurses have been limited to performance of procedures, such as screening flexible sigmoidoscopies, and assisting with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement. Research and literature discussing the potential benefits of using advanced practice nurses as providers of care in a gastroenterology setting is limited. This cross-sectional descriptive study (N = 32) compares the nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist roles in gastroenterology.