Ruth Mursa, who recently graduated from the University of Newcastle's master of nursing program in October, said most of her peers were yet to find employment.

"About 24 people did the program and hardly anyone has got a job," Ms Mursa said.

The Australian Nurse Practitioner Association estimates only about 300 nurse practitioners, who are authorised to prescribe some drugs and refer patients directly to specialists, presently work in Australia.

At issue is an impasse with the Federal Government that prevents nurse practitioners from accessing the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or from gaining a Medicare provider number.

Ms Mursa, a registered nurse with 22 years experience, said nurse practitioners were frustrated at not being able to help patients to their maximum potential.

"If I write a prescription it can cost $50 but if the doctor writes it it's $5," she said.

GP Access chief executive Mark Foster said a trial of a part-time nurse practitioner as part of its after-hours clinic in Maitland had allowed more patients to be seen.

"Basically we have to wear the cost because the alternative is to treat fewer patients or have doctors work longer hours," he said.

"We feel it's been a good outcome for everyone involved."

Dr Foster said nurse practitioners could make a major contribution to general practice if they worked as part of a collaborative team.

"At the moment there a lot of things that highly trained GPs do which nurse practitioners could do," he said.

"It makes more sense to allow GPs to focus on things that they have specialised skills in."