As a nurse practitioner student on the brink of entering the workforce, you’ve likely heard the phrase “interdisciplinary teams” thrown around in clinicals and class discussions. But what does it really look like in practice? And how do you, as a new NP, build strong, respectful relationships with physicians and other team members from day one?
In today’s healthcare system, successful patient outcomes depend on effective collaboration. No single provider—regardless of title—can address every aspect of a patient’s care. That’s where interdisciplinary teams come in. These teams bring together providers from different disciplines—physicians, NPs, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, case managers—who work collectively toward shared goals for the patient’s health.
Let’s explore what it takes to thrive in this model and how you can make the most of interdisciplinary collaboration as a new nurse practitioner.
Why Interdisciplinary Teams Matter More Than Ever
Healthcare is more complex than ever. Patients are living longer with multiple chronic conditions. They require medications, follow-ups, dietary changes, psychosocial support, and sometimes even housing assistance. No one provider can manage all of that.
Interdisciplinary teams bridge those gaps by offering a full spectrum of care under one coordinated plan. Studies show that these teams improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and even lower healthcare costs. For providers, this model decreases burnout and increases job satisfaction by allowing each discipline to work at the top of their license.
For nurse practitioners, being part of a high-functioning interdisciplinary team isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential to delivering holistic, patient-centered care.
The NP-Physician Relationship: Collaboration, Not Competition
There’s an outdated myth that nurse practitioners and physicians are competitors. The truth? The best teams are built on collaboration and mutual respect.
Physicians bring diagnostic depth, extensive training in pathophysiology, and procedural expertise. Nurse practitioners bring a holistic approach, strong patient relationships, and often, more time at the bedside. Together, they complement one another.
As a new NP, you’ll likely encounter physicians with varying degrees of experience working in interdisciplinary teams. Some may be accustomed to close collaboration with advanced practice providers, while others may be new to it. That’s why your communication, professionalism, and clarity around roles are key.
Tips for Building Strong NP-Physician Collaboration
Lead with Respect and Humility
Even if your education prepared you well, entering clinical practice means recognizing the value of lived experience. Listen to the physicians you work with, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate that you’re a team player who wants to learn and grow.
Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Whether you’re handing off a patient, recommending a treatment plan, or presenting a case, clarity is everything. Use concise, structured language (like SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) and avoid hedging when making clinical suggestions.
The more confident and clear you are, the more trust you’ll earn—making your interdisciplinary team stronger.
Know (and Own) Your Scope of Practice
Familiarize yourself with your state’s nurse practice act and your organization’s policies. Be clear on what you can manage independently and what requires consultation. That clarity reduces friction and helps other team members understand your role within the interdisciplinary team.
Be Proactive, Not Passive
See something that needs to be done? Step in. Offer to follow up on labs, manage consults, or handle discharge planning. By being proactive, you’ll quickly become a valued member of the interdisciplinary team, not just another provider on the list.
What Makes a Great Interdisciplinary Team?
Not all teams function equally. Some are disjointed, siloed, or unclear on communication channels. As an NP, you can play a vital role in improving team function by modeling key behaviors:
Shared Goals: The best interdisciplinary teams have a common understanding of the patient’s goals—and make decisions based on what the patient values most.
Open Communication: Teams that thrive are those that communicate openly, regularly, and respectfully—both formally in rounds and informally in the hallway.
Role Clarity: When every member of the team knows their strengths and contributions, there’s less overlap, confusion, or tension.
Mutual Trust: Trust is built over time, but it starts with showing up, doing your part, and treating everyone—from physicians to environmental services—with respect.
Real-World Example: When It All Comes Together
Let’s say you’re working in a hospitalist team managing a patient with new-onset heart failure. The physician consults cardiology. You, as the NP, initiate diuretic therapy, manage patient education, and coordinate with nursing staff. A pharmacist reviews medications for interactions, while a social worker arranges follow-up appointments and assesses for home safety risks.
This is an interdisciplinary team in action. Each member contributes specific expertise. The result? Faster interventions, a better discharge plan, and higher patient satisfaction.
Challenges You Might Face—And How to Overcome Them
Even with the best intentions, collaboration isn’t always easy. Here’s what you might run into:
Power dynamics: Some physicians may be reluctant to collaborate, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the NP role.
Solution: Earn trust by consistently delivering safe, thoughtful care. Don’t shy away from difficult conversations, but approach them with professionalism.
Communication breakdowns: In fast-paced settings, information can get lost.
Solution: Clarify expectations early—who’s following up on what, how are updates communicated, and what’s the preferred method (text, pager, in-person)?
Siloed systems: EMRs, shift handoffs, and separate team structures can isolate disciplines.
Solution: Advocate for shared rounding, interdisciplinary huddles, and systems that support team-based workflows.
Remember, your role as an NP is not just clinical—it’s collaborative. Your success depends not only on what you know, but how well you work with others.
Final Thoughts: You Belong Here
Stepping into clinical practice can feel intimidating—but remember, you’ve been trained for this. Your clinical insight, empathy, and education are incredibly valuable to the modern interdisciplinary team.
So walk into your first role with confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, offer input, and help connect the dots. Whether you’re rounding in the ICU, managing patients in primary care, or working in specialty clinics, your ability to collaborate with physicians will set the tone for the rest of your career.
Strong teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built. And you, as a new NP, are a builder.
Let’s make healthcare better—together.