Job satisfaction as self-care within a restrictive regulatory environment: Nevada's study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy
• Nursing Practice
• Workforce Studies

Background:

• Nevada faces significant population growth and healthcare provider shortages.
• Restrictive regulations and limited research exist on nurse practitioner (NP) characteristics and job satisfaction.
• Job satisfaction is viewed through the lens of professional self-care (Herzberg's theory and Orem's theory).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nurse practitioner (NP) job satisfaction in Nevada.
• To identify factors influencing NP job satisfaction.
• To provide data for improving NP roles and patient access to care.

Main Methods:

• A survey was mailed to 512 advanced practice nurses.
• Only nurse practitioners (NPs) were included in the study.
• 315 NPs completed the survey (61.5% response rate).

Main Results:

• The NP sample was racially diverse with a notable male representation.
• Overall job satisfaction was moderate, with high satisfaction in challenge/autonomy and low satisfaction in professional growth.
• Income positively correlated with satisfaction for lower-earning northern NPs; bonuses correlated positively for all. Younger, less experienced NPs sought higher education.

Conclusions:

• Job satisfaction insights can enhance professional self-care, especially in professional growth areas.
• Understanding NP job satisfaction aids in optimizing their roles to improve patient access to care, particularly in regulated environments.