# Public Perceptions and Career Intentions Regarding Clinical Nurse Specialist and Physician Associate Roles: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

## TL;DR

This study explores public awareness and interest in Clinical Nurse Specialist and Physician Associate roles in Israel, finding that despite low awareness, there is potential interest that could be harnessed with better outreach.

## Contribution

The study identifies gender and motivational differences in interest in CNS and PA roles and suggests strategies to increase awareness and legitimacy of these roles.

## Key findings

- Only 25.5% and 21% of participants were familiar with Clinical Nurse Specialists and Physician Associates, respectively.
- Women showed greater interest in Clinical Nurse Specialist roles, while men were more interested in Physician Associate roles.
- Self-efficacy and career motivation predicted interest in Clinical Nurse Specialist roles, while academic background predicted interest in Physician Associate roles.

## Abstract

To assess public awareness, perceptions, and educational intentions regarding Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Physician Associate (PA) roles in Israel, and to identify predictors of interest in these career pathways.

Amid physician shortages, countries are promoting advanced roles such as CNSs and PAs to strengthen healthcare capacity. In Israel, both roles are relatively new and underrecognized.

A cross‐sectional survey of 200 adults in Israel used descriptive statistics to assess familiarity and interest in CNS and PA roles. Two multiple linear regression models identified predictors of interest in pursuing each role's educational pathway.

Awareness of advanced roles was limited: 25.5% and 21% reported familiarity with CNSs and PAs, respectively. Despite this, 26.5% expressed interest in the CNS pathway and 17% in the PA pathway. Women were more likely to favor the CNS role; men showed greater interest in the PA role. Self‐efficacy, career motivation, and gender predicted CNS interest (R
2 = 0.332). PA interest was predicted by academic background and gender (R
2 = 0.256), but not by self‐efficacy or motivation.

These findings highlight the need to clarify role definitions, address gendered perceptions, and implement targeted outreach. Differences in predictors suggest that CNS and PA roles appeal to distinct motivational and cognitive profiles.

Despite low awareness, there is substantial public interest in CNS and PA roles. Tailored educational and communication strategies are needed to increase understanding and engagement.

Nurses should use clinical encounters to explain CNS and PA roles and build trust.

Policymakers should support awareness campaigns, training incentives, and curricular integration to promote role legitimacy and address global workforce challenges.