A descriptive study of current neonatal nurse practitioner practice

This study describes the role of the neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) in current practice and identifies facilitators and constraints to practice perceived by individuals currently practicing as NNPs. The 7-point scale used in this study allowed respondents to identify specific conditions of NNP practice, from highly facilitating (+3) to very constraining (-3). Each item was followed by a clarification section. The questionnaire was mailed to 1,521 individuals holding current NNP certification in the U.S. Data were analyzed using a total facilitation score. The possible range for this score (+225 - (-)225) is based on the numerical range of the scale (+3 - (-)3) multiplied by the 75 items in the facilitation section of the questionnaire. Actual scores ranged from +195 to -114, indicating that NNPs are more facilitated than constrained in their practice. Empirical data generated by this study will help in developing a theoretical model for NNP practice and provide important information for shaping the future role of the NNP.