Growing Neonatal Advanced Practice Providers via Mentorship Can Fill the Need: Program Description and Tool Kit.

Abstract

The need for neonatal advanced practice providers (APPs) has been described. Hospital training programs for neonatal physician assistants (PAs) have been developed by physicians. No publications exist about programs administered by neonatal APPs for both new graduate neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) and neonatal PAs. The purpose of this work was to mentor, train, and hire neonatal APPs in a program administered by neonatal APPs. We developed a 2-pronged approach to attract PAs and new graduate NNPs. Marketing strategies included receptions, information, and mentorship. A 12-month neonatal PA fellowship program included clinical mentorship and weekly didactics. Case-based presentations were provided by neonatal APPs, neonatologists, and allied professionals. The new graduate NNP program included clinical mentorship and monthly meetings with peer support, lectures, and case presentations. Neonatal APPs were clinical mentors. Team-building activities supported mentorship and collaboration among all care providers. In less than 5 years, 10 PAs and 11 new graduate NNPs have been trained and hired, as well as experienced neonatal APPs hired for this regional neonatology program. For the first time in years, locum tenens neonatal APPs are not required. We have developed a "tool kit" of content, activities, exercises, and evaluations to support successful attainment of expected competencies. Future studies can measure retention, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. A successful training program has been implemented to meet the growing demand. We support the values of integrity, collaboration, and equity to facilitate this successful paradigm shift among all neonatal professional team members.