The association between nurse practitioner race and ethnicity and intent to leave in primary care practices

Nurs Outlook. 2024 Nov-Dec;72(6):102289. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102289. Epub 2024 Oct 10.

Abstract

Background: Retaining nurse practitioners (NPs) from diverse racial and ethnic groups is critical to achieving health equity as NPs disproportionately care for minoritized populations. Yet, little is known about intent to leave (ITL) among these NPs.

Purpose: To examine whether NP race and ethnicity were associated with ITL and if this relationship was affected by the work environment.

Methods: Survey data from 1,232 NPs across six states were used. NPs completed measures of their ITL, work environment quality, and demographics. Regression models were used to determine if NP race and ethnicity resulted in differential reports of ITL.

Findings: Minoritized NPs had significantly higher cumulative odds of ITL compared with White NPs.

Discussion: Minoritized NPs had higher ITL, and the work environment did not demonstrate a protective effect against ITL. Future research should identify work environment features that may help retain a diverse NP workforce.

Keywords: Diversity; Equity; Inclusion; Nurse practitioners; Primary care; Turnover; Workforce diversity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ethnicity* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurse Practitioners* / statistics & numerical data
  • Personnel Turnover / statistics & numerical data
  • Primary Health Care* / statistics & numerical data
  • Racial Groups / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Workplace / psychology
  • Workplace / statistics & numerical data