Advanced Practice Provider Perceptions of the Pediatric Work Environment in the Postpandemic Era

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the pediatric advanced practice provider (APP) workforce, intensifying stressors, and highlighting the importance of work environments that support APP wellbeing and role satisfaction.

This study aimed to describe pediatric APPs' organizational climate, structural empowerment, and psychological empowerment, and examine organizational commitment.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among APPs at three Midwestern pediatric health systems. Validated instruments measured organizational climate (NP-PCOCQ), structural empowerment (CWEQ-II), and psychological empowerment (Spreitzer Scale).

Among 145 respondents, mean scores indicated high professional visibility, physician relations, and independent practice, but lower administrative relations. APPs identified a lack of formal power, information, and support. APPs reported strong role meaning but lack of perceived impact. There were high levels of organizational commitment.

There is a need to promote administrative relationships, APP leadership roles, and policies that recognize APP contributions to health systems and patient outcomes.