An examination of advanced practice nurses’ job satisfaction internationally

Abstract

Aim: To examine the level of job satisfaction of Nurse Practitioners/ Advanced Practice Nurses in developing and developed countries. Background: The Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse has the advanced, complex skills and experience to play an important role in providing equitable healthcare across all nations. Introduction: Key factors that contribute to health disparities include lack of access to global health human resources, the right skill mix of healthcare providers, and the satisfaction and retention of quality workers. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive analysis and cross-sectional survey methodology with quantitative and qualitative sections of 1419 job satisfaction survey respondents. Results: Age, number of hours worked in a week, and length of time that Nurse Practitioners/Advanced Practice Nurses worked in their current jobs were statistically significant in job satisfaction. A key barrier was the lack of respect from supervisors and physicians. Discussion: It was clear from the number of comments in the qualitative section of the survey that having a wide scope of practice is rewarding and challenging to the Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Nurse. Conclusion and Implications for Health Policy: The challenges to transform healthcare gaps of access into a better distribution of health care in all countries would constitute a systematic change in policy including providing education and training for doctors and nurses that will match the skills needed in the workplace; emphasizing the right skill mix for the health care team; supporting advanced practice nurses in the workplace and utilizing all health care providers to the fullest extent of their abilities.