Role conflict is most likely to arise between which two groups?

Role conflict occurs when individuals or groups within an organization have differing expectations, responsibilities, or priorities, leading to tension or confusion about their roles. In a healthcare setting, this conflict is particularly evident between advanced practice nurses (APNs) and other nurses or between APNs and physicians.

APNs, such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, often have responsibilities that overlap with those of physicians, creating potential for misunderstandings about scope of practice, authority, and decision-making responsibilities. For example, APNs may have advanced training and be authorized to diagnose and treat conditions, which can lead to role confusion when working alongside physicians who traditionally wield similar responsibilities. Similarly, other nurses may feel unsure about their roles in relation to APNs, particularly in terms of collaboration and delegation of tasks.

The complexity and evolving nature of healthcare roles contribute to these conflicts. The implementation of new practice models and healthcare policies can further blur the lines, demanding explicit definitions of roles to ensure smooth collaboration and patient care. This dynamic creates a fertile ground for role conflict, which is less likely in the other groups mentioned, where the distinctions and relationships between roles are generally more straightforward.