Objective To understand wound ostomy nurse specialists′ knowledge of and attitude towards nurse practitioners, and to explore the factors affecting their cognition. Methods Totally, 169 wound ostomy nurse specialists were selected by convenient sampling method. A self-designed questionnaire concerning wound ostomy nurse specialists′ knowledge of and attitude towards nurse practitioners was distributed to the selected nurses, who were invited to fill out the questionnaire online. Results The wound ostomy nurse specialists′ knowledge of nurse practitioners scored (67.03±14.10) points. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that nurse specialists′ knowledge scores of nurse practitioners varied significantly by education attainments, and whether having heard of nurse practitioners; 95.27% of the wound ostomy nurse specialists were willing to become nurse practitioners. The specialists agreed that the minimal requirements for a nurse practitioner by degree type, titles, and length of service would be at least having a bachelor′s degree, an intermediate professional title, and 5-10 years of service respectively; 52.07% considered that the national policy orientation was the primary factor affecting the development of nurse practitioners in China. The problems that the specialists believed to be solved in the development of nurse practitioners were an improvement of relevant laws and regulations, the establishment of a standardized nurse practitioner entry system, the refinement of current clinical practice system, and the formation of training programs tailored to Chinese context. Conclusion Wound ostomy nurse specialists have a positive attitude towards nurse practitioners, but their knowledge level needs to be improved. It is necessary to encourage relevant knowledge learning in advance and roll out policies and regulations in time. The establishment of standardized nurse practitioner entry system, and the refinement of training and practice system is a strong guarantee for the development of nurse practitioners in China.