I have a very clear memory of a time I felt completely out of place in my nurse practitioner role. And surprisingly, it didn’t happen in my first few weeks on the job—it was nearly a year into practice when a patient reminded me just how tough it can be when patients refuse to see you because you’re a nurse practitioner.
A few minutes into our assessment, my patient—a woman in her mid-70s—interrupted and asked who I was. “Are you a doctor? Where’s the doctor?” she said, visibly irritated. “I don’t want to see a nurse—I want a REAL provider.”
It was a hard moment, and I wasn’t expecting to feel that sting of imposter syndrome after so long in practice. But situations like these are unfortunately not uncommon, and it helps to have a strategy when they arise.
How to Handle When Patients Refuse Nurse Practitioner Care: Practical Tips
1. Start with a Clear Introduction of Your Nurse Practitioner Role
Patients may refuse to see a nurse practitioner because they simply don’t understand what we do. Take a moment at the beginning of every first visit to explain your scope of practice and how you’re trained to help. A 30-second explanation can go a long way in building rapport and trust.
2. Remember: It’s not about you
When patients refuse nurse practitioner care, it often reflects a larger systemic bias—not your clinical ability. Physicians have had over 250 years of societal recognition (since the first medical school in 1765), while the nurse practitioner role only emerged just 60 years ago in 1965. It takes time for public perception to catch up.
The good news? Research consistently shows NPs provide comparable outcomes to our MD colleagues (AANP Research Summary). We offer excellent, evidence-based care—regardless of titles.
3. Debrief and decompress
After difficult encounters, talk to a trusted colleague or mentor who believes in your capabilities. Debriefing these moments can help reset your mindset and remind you of your worth as a clinician.
You’re Not the Right Nurse Practitioner Fit for Every Patient—and That’s Okay
You won’t be the right provider for every patient, and that doesn’t diminish your value. When patients refuse nurse practitioner care, stay grounded in your training and the many patients who trust and appreciate you.
Need more support? Here are some additional resources on confidence, burnout, and navigating your NP role:
Related Reads:
- What Differentiates Good Nurse Practitioners From Great Nurse Practitioners
- The Battle Within as a New Nurse Practitioner
