Nurse practitioners' job satisfaction and intent to leave current positions, the nursing profession, and the nurse practitioner role as a direct care provider

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this cross-sectional descriptive study were three-fold: to describe job satisfaction among a national nurse practitioner (NP) sample; to examine differences in NP job satisfaction based on their intent to leave current positions, the nursing profession, and the NP role as a direct care provider; and to describe the relationship between job satisfaction and anticipated turnover.

Data sources: Data were collected from 254 NPs who attended the 2008 American Academy of NPs (AANPs) 23rd National Conference. The Misener NP Job Satisfaction Scale (MNPJSS) was used to measure NP job satisfaction. The Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS) was used to assess NP perception or opinion of the possibility of voluntarily terminating their present job. Intent to leave variables were measured with single-item questions.

Conclusions: The NPs sampled were satisfied with benefits, challenge, and autonomy. They were minimally satisfied with professional growth, intrapractice partnership, and collegiality. Twenty-seven percent of NPs indicated intent to leave current positions; a small percentage (5.5%) indicated intent to leave the nursing profession and the NP role as a direct care provider (5.5%). There were significant differences in job satisfaction based on intent to leave current positions, and higher job satisfaction scores were significantly related to intent not to leave current positions. There was a significant negative relationship between job satisfaction and anticipated turnover. This study contributes to the current literature that has minimally addressed NP job satisfaction and has not addressed NPs' intent to leave current positions, the nursing profession, or the NP role as a direct care provider. This is the first national NP study of job satisfaction, intent to leave, and anticipated turnover.

Implications for practice: This study will help bridge the gap in literature relating to NP job satisfaction, their intent to leave, and anticipated turnover. The results of this study could potentially assist employers in developing strategies for recruitment and long-term retention. These results may also give insight into how NPs can make their work environments more fulfilling. Additionally, these results may contribute to continued role adaption necessary for the constantly changing work environments in which NPs currently practice.