Date of Award

Spring 3-11-2022

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PhD Nursing

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Judith Lothian, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Sherry Greenberg, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Katherine Hinic, Ph.D.

Keywords

Nurse practitioner job satisfaction, nurse practitioner role perception, nurse practitioner anticipated turnover, nurse practitioner Middle Atlantic States, advanced practice nurse job satisfaction

Abstract

Background: The need for nurse practitioners (NPs) in the US has become very evident in recent years. However, the established significance of NPs in the healthcare system does not ensure that NPs are satisfied with their role. To date, no studies have examined NP job satisfaction in the Middle Atlantic States (MAS), which includes New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Only one study, thus far, has looked at NP role perception from the NPs own perspective, and was completed in the Midwest region of the US. Similarly, no studies have examined NP anticipated turnover the Mid-Atlantic region of the US.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between NP role perception, job satisfaction, and anticipated turnover for NPs in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania using Afaf Meleis’ Transitions Theory. Furthermore, it was determined if there was a statistically significant difference in NP role perception, job satisfaction, and anticipated turnover depending on what state the NP practiced in.

Methods: This descriptive correlational study of 190 participants investigated if there was a relationship between NP role perception, job satisfaction, and anticipated turnover in those working in the MAS. Participants completed four instruments: the Advanced Practice Nurse Role Perception Scale (APNRPS), the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale (MNPJSS), the Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS), and an NP Data Background Questionnaire.

Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated NPs in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania viewed their perception of their role as unfavorable (M=2.6 SD=.75), were minimally dissatisfied (M=2.9 SD=.96), and leaned toward leaving their positions (M= 4.2, SD=1.43). A significant, positive relationship was found between job satisfaction and role perception. A negative correlation was found between NP role perception and anticipated turnover. A significant, negative correlation was found between NP job satisfaction and anticipated turnover. There was no significant relationship between NP role perception from state to state. There was no significant relationship between job satisfaction from state to state. There was no significant relationship between anticipated turnover from state to state.

Conclusion: This study helped to identify the importance of what work related factors are essential to NPs in order to keep them from leaving their current positions, clinical practice, and even from leaving the nursing profession all together. The vital work of NPs is evident, but keeping NPs satisfied in their jobs and roles is an ongoing challenge. The results of this study should contribute to development and implementation of strategies to mitigate the loss of any additional NPs in the future and keep NPs satisfied and ensure continuous, quality patient care.

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