Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Research Articles

Theory of Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction

Nurse practitioner (NP) job satisfaction was evaluated qualitatively to enhance understanding of relevant processes and concepts. A constructivist grounded theory study was undertaken. The study population included NPs working in rural and urban primary health care in Northern Ontario, Canada. An original theory to explain NP job satisfaction and intent to leave was developed. This report focuses on the concept of NP job satisfaction within the broader theory and explores all relevant findings.

Predictors of nurse practitioner retention

Increased utilization of nurse practitioners (NPs) has been proposed to reduce the shortage of primary care providers, so identifying factors related to retention of NPs is important for health care organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale factors and nurse demographic characteristics with NP retention, as defined by the number of years at the current position and intention to leave the current position within 5 years. A survey was distributed via email to members of the Texas NP Organization. Three hundred fifteen NPs participated in the study. Years of experience (p < .001), salary (p = .018), and benefits (p = .007) were significantly associated with longer duration of employment at the current position, after controlling for the other variables in the linear regression model. After adjusting for the other variables in the logistic regression model, higher challenge/autonomy factor scores (p = .016) and higher annual salary (p = .032) were associated with significantly lower odds of intention to leave the current position within 5 years. Interventions to increase NP autonomy and facilitate employment in positions with more competitive salaries are likely to improve NP retention.

Job satisfaction of nurses with master of nursing degrees in Poland: quantitative and qualitative analysis

BackgroundUnderstanding the issue of job satisfaction of nurses with master of nursing degrees may help develop organisational changes necessary for better functioning of health care institutions. This study aimed to evaluate the level of job satisfaction among holders of Masters of Nursing degrees employed at health care institutions and to ascertain its determinants.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was carried out in randomly selected health care institutions in Poland using the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Survey and an original survey questionnaire with two open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and summary statistics.ResultsThe participants gave highest satisfaction ratings to their relationships with direct superiors and other nurses, as well as their social contacts at work. The lowest ratings were given to the pension scheme and factors connected with remuneration. A highly statistically significant relationship was found between the job classification and the level of professional satisfaction (p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis of responses to the two open-ended questions supported Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory: internal factors promoted satisfaction, whilst external ones caused dissatisfaction.ConclusionsManagers of nurses should strengthen the areas that contribute to higher employee satisfaction, particularly interpersonal relationships, by commendation and recognition of work effects.

Mentoring: Positively Influencing Job Satisfaction and Retention of New Hire Nurse Practitioners.

The purpose of study was to determine whether mentoring based on Watson's Caring Model positively influences nurse practitioner (NP) job satisfaction. This nonexperimental mixed-methods study utilized an online survey, administered through Qualtrics containing demographic and mentoring variables. Job satisfaction results were obtained from the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale (MNPJSS). Also, open-ended questions regarding mentoring were reported. There was a 54% response rate in which 37 of the 69 participants responded (n = 37), with statistical significance set at p < .05. All or 100% of participants reported that the mentor experience/relationship positively influenced job satisfaction. Scores from the MNPJSS ranged from 141 to 246, with a mean of 195.26 (SD = 28.29) corresponding to "minimally satisfied" or a mean of 4.44 on the 6-point scale. These results are similar to the MNPJSS score with a mean of 4.39. A mentoring experience can provide a positive environment, which can lead to increased job satisfaction. In turn, a higher level of satisfaction in the work environment can be associated with reduced turnover and improved retention and patient outcomes. Ultimately, a safer health care system will evolve and improve patient care and outcomes. Through Watson's Caring Model, a reciprocal relationship between the mentor and the mentee can provide a new NP hire a sense of community and direct availability. By experiencing a mentor relationship, job satisfaction can improve, which is a key factor in retaining NPs. As E-mentoring is a newer topic in nursing literature, further research is needed. Further studies could also review and develop one-on-one mentoring programs.

Should There be Laws Mandating Nurse Practitioner/Patient Ratios?

Should There be Laws Mandating Nurse Practitioner/Patient Ratios?

Organizational structures and outcomes of newly hired and experienced nurse practitioners in New York State

BackgroundGiven the projected increase in the nurse practitioner (NP) workforce, the number of NPs in health care organizations will grow. However, little is known about the capacity of these organizations to create conducive environments for NP practice. PurposeExamine and compare the NP patient panel, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and organizational structures of NPs with less than three (newly hired) and more than three (experienced) years of experience in their current job. MethodsAn online survey of New York State Nurse Practitioner Association members was conducted in 2012; 278 NPs completed measures of NP patient panel, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and organizational structures. DiscussionBoth newly hired and experienced NPs faced organizational challenges such as poor relations with administration and lack infrastructure for care. Newly hired NPs were twice more likely to have turnover intentions. ConclusionThese organizational barriers should be addressed by administrators to assure optimal NP practice.

Mentoring: Positively Influencing Job Satisfaction and Retention of New Hire Nurse Practitioners

Mentoring: Positively Influencing Job Satisfaction and Retention of New Hire Nurse Practitioners

Mentoring: Positively Influencing Job Satisfaction and Retention of New Hire Nurse Practitioners.

The purpose of study was to determine whether mentoring based on Watson's Caring Model positively influences nurse practitioner (NP) job satisfaction. This nonexperimental mixed-methods study utilized an online survey, administered through Qualtrics containing demographic and mentoring variables. Job satisfaction results were obtained from the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale (MNPJSS). Also, open-ended questions regarding mentoring were reported. There was a 54% response rate in which 37 of the 69 participants responded (n = 37), with statistical significance set at p < .05. All or 100% of participants reported that the mentor experience/relationship positively influenced job satisfaction. Scores from the MNPJSS ranged from 141 to 246, with a mean of 195.26 (SD = 28.29) corresponding to "minimally satisfied" or a mean of 4.44 on the 6-point scale. These results are similar to the MNPJSS score with a mean of 4.39. A mentoring experience can provide a positive environment, which can lead to increased job satisfaction. In turn, a higher level of satisfaction in the work environment can be associated with reduced turnover and improved retention and patient outcomes. Ultimately, a safer health care system will evolve and improve patient care and outcomes. Through Watson's Caring Model, a reciprocal relationship between the mentor and the mentee can provide a new NP hire a sense of community and direct availability. By experiencing a mentor relationship, job satisfaction can improve, which is a key factor in retaining NPs. As E-mentoring is a newer topic in nursing literature, further research is needed. Further studies could also review and develop one-on-one mentoring programs.

Postgraduate Nurse Practitioner Education: Impact on Job Satisfaction

Programs to facilitate nurse practitioner (NP) transition-to-practice have been developed at public and private institutions across the United States, yet there is no published evidence of their influence on NP job satisfaction. The Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale was administered to a convenience sample of two groups of NPs: one group with a formal postgraduate education and another group without formal postgraduate education. Postgraduate education has a statistically significant positive impact on NP job satisfaction. Knowledge of factors that influence job satisfaction is advantageous to employers, policymakers, and NPs considering postgraduate education opportunities.

Nurse practitioners' role perception, stress, satisfaction, and intent to stay at a Midwestern academic medical center.

There is a growing demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) within academic medical centers (AMCs) because of physician shortages and increased need for access to care. In order to retain these NPs, it is important to assess their role perception and satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these concepts and their relationships to stress and intent to stay. A 90-item descriptive survey, including a new role perception scale and the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale, was administered to all NPs at a Midwestern AMC. The response rate was 62.4% (n = 181). Overall, the NPs had moderate role perception (M = 4.30, SD = 1.23) and were somewhat satisfied (M = 4.23, SD = 0.74). Over a third (39.4%) reported they were unsure about staying or did not intend to stay in their position. Intent to stay and stress were moderately correlated with overall satisfaction and weakly correlated with role perception. There were significant differences in the intrapractice and professional aspects of job satisfaction based on their supervisor. With increased NP needs, it is crucial for AMCs and NP supervisors to assess role perception, satisfaction, and stress among NPs in order to ensure a stable, satisfied, and productive workforce.

Retail clinics versus traditional primary care: Employee satisfaction guaranteed?

To examine if differences exist in the levels of autonomy and job satisfaction among primary care nurse practitioners (NPs) employed in retail clinics versus traditional primary care settings. Data were collected from 310 primary care NPs who attended the American Association of NP's 28th Annual Conference in June 2013. Participants completed a demographic form, the Misener NP Job Satisfaction Scale, and the Dempster Practice Behavior Scale. Overall, there were no differences in job satisfaction or autonomy among NPs by practice setting. Retail NPs felt less valued and were less satisfied with social interaction, but more satisfied with benefits compared to NPs in traditional settings. NPs working in retail clinics were less likely to have intentions to leave current position compared to NPs in traditional practice settings. The results of this study enhance our current understanding of the linkages between levels of autonomy, job satisfaction, and practice setting among primary care NPs. The findings of this descriptive study offer valuable insights for stakeholders devoted to the development of the primary care workforce and identify modifiable factors that may influence retention and turnover rates among NPs.

Measuring job satisfaction of advanced nurse practitioners and advanced midwife practitioners in the Republic of Ireland: a survey

To describe the level of job satisfaction of advanced nurse practitioners (ANP) and advanced midwife practitioners in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Job satisfaction is related to productivity, performance, turnover and health, and thus is a challenge for nursing and healthcare organisations. Job satisfaction data were collected from 47 ANPs using the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale. High levels of global job satisfaction were reported. All ANPs reported satisfaction with autonomy, sense of accomplishment, challenge, social interaction and status in the organisation. Lower levels of job satisfaction were attributed to the amount of involvement in research (55%), opportunities to receive compensation for services provided outside normal working hours (55%), the amount (44%) and the quality of administrative support (51%), and the opportunity to negotiate bonuses and resources in return for productivity (36%). Advanced nurse practitioners in RoI have high levels of job satisfaction with areas relating to clinical practice but are dissatisfied with areas that lead to empowerment within organisations. Efforts to improve the negotiating and leadership skills of ANPs may improve job satisfaction. Enhancing inter-professional collegial relationships and improving managerial recognition of the role within nursing are key areas to be targeted to promote job satisfaction of ANPs.

Nurse Practitioner Satisfaction: Identifying Perceived Beliefs and Barriers

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify opinions of nurse practitioners (NPs) regarding job satisfaction and barriers in a Midwest area encompassing counties in 2 states with dissimilar statutory regulations. Data SourcesThe Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale was mailed to 522 family NPs living within targeted counties. ConclusionsJob satisfaction scores revealed minimal global satisfaction. Highest scores included time for direct patient care, autonomy, and challenge. Dissatisfying factors involved reward opportunities, bonus availability, and research involvement. Implications for practiceIdentifying and addressing satisfaction and barriers to career fulfillment to promote increased workplace contentment and career longevity

Nurse practitioner job satisfaction: looking for successful outcomes

To examine overall job satisfaction and its association with extrinsic and intrinsic characteristics of job satisfaction among nurse practitioners at the chosen practice site. The objectives were to identify relevant retention and recruitment strategies, from the nurse practitioners perspective, by examining (1) what role aspects are most satisfying, and (2) approaches for successful, professional development and integration in the role. Supportive professional practice environments are particularly important to nurses' satisfaction with their work and the quality of patient care provided. Hence, research that examines nurse practitioners practice implications and barriers in today's healthcare system is essential. A descriptive-correlational design using survey methodology. A nonprobability sample of convenience was used. The outcome measures were: The Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale and two investigator-developed surveys. Participants expressed dissatisfaction with professional and monetary recognition, assertive influence, administrative support and collegial relationships. Interaction of subscale factors on overall job satisfaction and demographic survey findings has important implications for health administrators and nurse practitioners in similar organisations. Stakeholders in healthcare milieus need to be fully engaged in the redesign of the American healthcare system heeding the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine to provide safer health systems to the public. By doing this, issues related to frustration by nurse practitioners related to job satisfaction will be addressed. The need for cooperation, participation, collaboration and instrumental communication are essential in the delivery of safe, quality patient care. A better understanding of intrinsic professional rewards needs to be learned by nurse practitioners who want to seek professional satisfaction and engage in the survival and growth of the profession. Nurse practitioners armed with this translational information have viable agenda items that can be negotiated into extrinsic rewards.

Job satisfaction and perceived autonomy for nurse practitioners working in nurse‐managed health centers

AbstractPurposeMore primary care providers are needed to deliver health care to Americans living in poverty and those soon to be insured under the Affordable Care Act. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in nurse‐managed health centers (NMHCs) are poised to meet this need. This research study examined the characteristics of NPs working in NMHCs and measured job satisfaction and perceived level of autonomy. No studies about job satisfaction or autonomy for NPs working in NMHCs had been previously reported.Data sourcesThis descriptive, quantitative study surveyed primary care NPs working in NMHCs that are part of the National Nursing Centers Consortium (NNCC). NP e‐mail addresses were obtained from NNCC center directors. Of 198 NPs invited to the electronic survey, 99 completed the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale, demographic questionnaire, questions about perceived autonomy, and whether they would recommend working in an NMHC. Participants came from 16 states and 46 NMHCs.ConclusionsNPs working in NMHCs have job satisfaction, perceive their role as autonomous, and are satisfied with the autonomy they have.Implications for practiceNMHCs can provide access to primary health care for many Americans. More NPs may choose employment in NMHCs for job satisfaction and autonomy.

A systematic review on the relationship between the nursing shortage and nurses' job satisfaction, stress and burnout levels in oncology/haematology settings.

Nursing shortage is a global issue that which affects oncology nursing. Oncology nurses are more prone to experience job dissatisfaction, stress and burnout when they work in units with poor staffing. There is thus a need for greater understanding of the relationship between the nursing shortage and nursing outcomes in oncology/haematology settings. This review aimed to establish the best available evidence concerning the relationship between the nursing shortage and nurses' job satisfaction, stress and burnout levels in oncology/haematology settings; and to make recommendations for practice and future research. Types of participants: This review considered studies that included oncology registered nurses (RNs) who were more than 18 years of age and worked in either inpatient or outpatient oncology/haematology wards or units for the adult or paediatric patients.Types of intervention: This review considered studies that evaluated the relationship between the nursing shortage and nurses' job satisfaction, stress and burnout levels in oncology/haematology settings.Types of outcomes: This review included studies that measured job satisfaction, stress and burnout levels using different outcomes measures. Job satisfaction was determined by the Measure of Job Satisfaction scale, the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale and the Likert scale, stress by the Pediatric Oncology Nurse Stressor Questionnaire and burnout by the Maslash Burnout Inventory scale.Types of studies: This review included descriptive/descriptive-correlational studies which were published in English. The search strategy sought to identify published and unpublished studies conducted between 1990 and 2010. Using a three-step search strategy, the following databases were accessed: CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Proquest and Mednar. Two independent reviewers assessed each paper for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review using standardised critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute-Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Disagreements were resolved through discussion, or with a third reviewer. Data were extracted using standardised data extraction tool adapted from the JBI-MAStARI. Data synthesisDue to the heterogeneous nature of the included papers, a meta-analysis was not possible. Hence, a narrative summary was presented for the studies. This review encompassed seven descriptive/descriptive-correlational studies. Findings revealed a positive bidirectional relationship between the nursing shortage and oncology nurses' job dissatisfaction, stress and burnout. In addition, the extent of oncology nurses' job dissatisfaction, stress and burnout, and their perception of staffing inadequacy also differed according to nurses' demography and work settings. The nursing shortage, coupled with an increasing number of patients diagnosed with cancer, entail a pressing need for organisations to ensure sufficient staffing in oncology/haematology settings, in order to provide quality patient care. This then requires interventions that target both the recruitment and retention of nurses. Organisations need to customise their strategies for the recruitment and retention of oncology nurses. The strategies should take into considerations the specific demographic characteristics of oncology nurses or characteristics of work settings that are experiencing staffing inadequacy and negative nursing outcomes. The strategies should also aim to replicate features of other institutions that are attractive to oncology nurses; and also include training that help oncology nurses better manage their emotions. Future research need to examine the relationship between the nursing shortage and oncology nurses' job satisfaction, stress and burnout in bone marrow transplant units, paediatric oncology settings and also Asian oncology settings. Characteristics of oncology nurses or workplaces that are more likely to experience negative nursing outcomes due the nursing shortage should also be identified.

Nurse Practitioner Role Implementation in Ontario Public Health Units

Objectives: To identify the barriers and facilitators associated with the implementation of the nurse practitioner (NP) role in Ontario’s public health units (PHUs), the NPs’ job satisfaction, and the relationship between NP job satisfaction and practice dimensions. Methods: This descriptive study involved a postal survey of all NPs (N=29) working in Ontario PHUs. Results: Twenty-eight (96.5%) NPs completed the survey. The facilitators to role implementation most often identified by the NPs were management support, the NPs’ knowledge of the PHU programs, and access to PHU programs for their clients. The barriers most often cited were being the only NP working in the PHU, inadequate salary, and lack of coverage when the NP was away. When working with community physicians, the most common facilitators were the trust shown by physicians when making shared decisions and physician respect for the NP. The most common barriers were the unwillingness of specialist physicians to accept referrals from the NP and physicians’ lack of understanding of the role. Overall, the NPs were satisfied with working in the PHU, satisfied with their collaborative relationship with physicians and minimally satisfied with their salaries. Conclusion: NPs have recently been introduced in PHUs in Ontario. A number of factors have facilitated role integration. At the same time, a number of barriers to their role implementation have been identified and if addressed, can contribute to the optimal utilization of this role in PHUs. Key words: Nurse practitioners; public health; primary health care; role implementation; job satisfaction

Job satisfaction of advanced practice nurses in the Veterans Health Administration

The purpose of this study was to describe the level of job satisfaction and barriers to practice for advanced practice nurses (APNs) employed by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Survey (MNPJSS) and an investigator-developed questionnaire were completed by a self-selected, convenience sample of 1,983 APNs who responded to an internal VHA email invitation (61% response rate) to participate in an anonymous on-line survey. Respondents reported being minimally satisfied with their job overall, most satisfied with their benefits and least satisfied with professional growth and intrapractice collegiality. They scored lower than their private sector peers for total job satisfaction and all subscales except benefits, as compared to samples of three smaller studies. Clinical nurse specialists reported greater job satisfaction then NPs. The most frequently cited barriers to practice were: too many non-APN tasks, lack of administrative support, and inadequate time to do research. Strategies for improving professional growth and intra-practice collegiality are needed. APNs' job satisfaction may be improved in these areas by mentoring of new APN graduates and administrative approval for participating in research. Additional administrative support is needed to decrease the amount of non-APN tasks and clerical duties.

Canadian Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction

To examine the level of job satisfaction and its association with extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction characteristics among Canadian primary healthcare nurse practitioners (NPs). A descriptive correlational design was used to collect data on NPs' job satisfaction and on the factors that influence their job satisfaction. A convenience sample of licensed Canadian NPs was recruited from established provincial associations and special-interest groups. Data about job satisfaction were collected using two valid and reliable instruments, the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Survey and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis were used to describe the results. The overall job satisfaction for this sample ranged from satisfied to highly satisfied. The elements that had the most influence on overall job satisfaction were the extrinsic category of partnership/collegiality and the intrinsic category of challenge/autonomy. These findings were consistent with Herzberg's Dual Factor Theory of Job Satisfaction. The outcomes of this study will serve as a foundation for designing effective human health resource retention and recruitment strategies that will assist in enhancing the implementation and the successful preservation of the NP's role.

Job Satisfaction Among Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurses

Several studies document high levels of job satisfaction among certified nurses, but no study has examined job satisfaction and factors influencing job satisfaction of certified multiple sclerosis (MS) nurses. This study tested a theoretical model proposing that two organizational factors, colleague relationships and benefits, will predict job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was represented by four factors: autonomy, professional status, professional growth, and time efficiency. Participants included MS nurses certified for 6 months or more practicing mostly in three countries (Canada, Great Britain, and the United States) who anonymously completed the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale, an overall job satisfaction rating, and demographic information. Findings indicate that colleague relationships and benefits significantly estimated organization structure and that autonomy, professional status, professional growth, and time efficiency significantly estimated job satisfaction; furthermore, organization factors such as colleague relationships and benefits significantly predict job satisfaction. Among the countries, several statistically significant differences were observed between job satisfaction factors as well as items in both organization and job satisfaction subscales. Average factor scores among the countries were mostly rated satisfactory. The International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses Executive Board plans to use the study findings to see how it needs to focus efforts as an organization toward enhancing and standardizing MS care and develop MS nurse professionalism worldwide.