Job preference of nurse practitioners: A simulation approach.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Studies
• Nursing Practice Research
• Health Policy Analysis

Background:

• Attracting and retaining nurse practitioners is vital for healthcare delivery.
• Understanding nurse practitioner job preferences informs policy development.
• Job attributes significantly influence nurse practitioner decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and simulate nurse practitioner job preferences.
• To assess the impact of independent practice, practice environment, and salary on job choices.
• To provide data for policies aimed at nurse practitioner retention.

Main Methods:

• Discrete choice experiment survey with simulation.
• Hierarchical Bayesian Multinomial Logit model.
• Analysis of 372 licensed and employed nurse practitioners in Georgia, USA.

Main Results:

• Excellent practice environments and independent practice are highly valued.
• Supportive interprofessional teams and administration significantly impact job choices.
• Nurse practitioners may accept lower salary or longer commute for better environments; require independent practice for salary increases.

Conclusions:

• Excellent practice environment and independent practice are critical for nurse practitioner job satisfaction.
• Healthcare organizations should foster supportive, autonomous work settings.
• Policymakers should consider expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners.