Making room for 'Dr. Nurse'

As the shortage of primary-care physicians mounts, more than 200 nursing schools have established or plan to launch doctorate of nursing practice programs to equip graduates with skills the schools say are equivalent to primary-care physicians. Proponents say the two-year programs create a "hybrid practitioner" with more skills, knowledge and training than a nurse practitioner with a master's degree. But some physician groups warn that the trend could confuse patients and jeopardize care.