Lessons Learned in Implementing a Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinical Ladder

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Administration
• Professional Development

Background:

• Clinical practice ladders are established to acknowledge and reward the professional accomplishments of nurse practitioners (NPs).
• These programs aim to foster career growth and recognize expertise within the NP role.
• Understanding NP motivations and experiences is crucial for effective ladder implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the reasons why nurse practitioners participate in clinical ladder programs.
• To identify the recognition experienced by NPs who have successfully achieved placement on a clinical ladder.
• To provide insights for health system leaders on establishing and maintaining NP clinical ladder programs.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was developed and administered to NP clinical ladder (NP CL) applicants at a large quaternary care academic health system.
• The survey targeted all NPs within the health system who had successfully achieved placement on the NP CL.
• Participants included pediatric nurse practitioners and family nurse practitioners.

Main Results:

• Survey results highlighted the significance of recognizing the professional achievements of NPs.
• Key lessons were learned regarding participant motivations and the perceived value of the clinical ladder.
• The study identified factors contributing to the success and maintenance of NP CL programs.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing NP professional achievements is vital for engagement and retention.
• Health system leaders can utilize these findings to optimize NP clinical ladder program design and implementation.
• Effective NP CL programs contribute to professional growth and acknowledge NP contributions within academic health systems.