The acute care nurse practitioner in Ontario: a workforce study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Policy
• Health Human Resources

Background:

• Nurse practitioner (NP) roles in primary care are established, but their presence in hospital settings is less understood.
• Recent regulatory changes in Ontario now include NPs in extended class registration, necessitating a review of their hospital practice profiles.
• This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding hospital-based NPs due to their recent inclusion in extended class registration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the practice profiles of nurse practitioners in Ontario's acute care settings.
• To identify the extent of acceptance and barriers faced by hospital-based nurse practitioners.
• To inform strategies for optimizing the NP role in hospital environments.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, self-reported survey was conducted.
• The survey targeted all nurse practitioners working in acute care settings in Ontario who were not currently regulated in the extended class.
• Data collection focused on understanding their practice and integration within hospital settings.

Main Results:

• Nurse practitioner role acceptance is notably concentrated in academic teaching hospitals.
• Significant barriers persist, including legislative and regulatory challenges.
• Lack of understanding and support for NP roles beyond direct clinical practice were identified.

Conclusions:

• The hospital-based nurse practitioner role shows promise but requires supportive regulatory and legislative frameworks.
• Addressing barriers is crucial for maximizing the impact of NPs on patient care and healthcare transformation.
• Further research and administrative support are needed to fully integrate and leverage NPs in acute care settings.