Purpose Nurse practitioners (NPs) have reported aspects of their jobs that they are more and less satisfied with. However, few studies have examined the factors that predict overall job satisfaction. This study uses a large national sample to examine the extent to which autonomy and work setting predict job satisfaction. Data sources The 2012 National Sample Survey of Nurse Practitioners (n = 8311) was used to examine bivariate and multivariate relationships between work setting and three autonomy variables (independent billing practices, having one's NP skills fully utilized, and relationship with physician), and job satisfaction. Conclusions NPs working in primary care reported the highest levels of autonomy across all three autonomy measures, while those working in hospital surgical settings reported the lowest levels. Autonomy, specifically feeling one's NP skills were fully utilized, was the factor most predictive of satisfaction. In multivariate analyses, those who strongly agreed their skills were being fully utilized had satisfaction scores almost one point higher than those who strongly disagreed. Work setting was only marginally related to job satisfaction. Implications for practice In order to attract and retain NPs in the future, healthcare organizations should ensure that NPs’ skills are being fully utilized.

We explore the extent to which state scope of practice laws are related to nurse practitioners (NPs)' day-to-day practice autonomy. We found that NPs experienced greater day-to-day practice autonomy when they had prescriptive independence. Surprisingly, there were only small and largely insignificant differences in day-to-day practice autonomy between NPs in fully restricted states and those in states with independent practice but restricted prescription authority. The scope of practice effects were strong for primary care NPs. We also found that the amount of variation in day-to-day practice autonomy within the scope of practice categories existed, which suggests that factors other than state scope of practice laws may influence NP practice as well. Removing barriers at all levels that potentially prevent NPs from practicing to the full extent of their education and training is critical not only to increase primary care capacity but also to make NPs more efficient and effective providers.

Background: Previous studies evaluating work engagement of nurses revealed work-related factors and nurse demographics affecting work engagement. Low work engagement yields a decrease in productivity, high turnover, loss of revenue, and, most importantly, patient safety concerns. Aim: To investigate the relationship between nurse-related and work-related variables associated with work engagement and provide a model that explains work engagement. Method: This study employed an observational, cross-sectional study design, with 201 registered nurses working in acute care hospitals in the United States participating in the study. Four work-related and five nurse-related variables were evaluated and used in the work engagement model. A standard multiple regression was performed using the work-and nurse-related factors regressed onto work engagement. Structural equation model procedures were performed to examine the association between predictive variables and work engagement.

These findings serve as a building block of empirical evidence for admissions committees as they consider entry requirements for NP programs.

Assessing student learning during a site visit in an advanced practice nursing course is important for academic success; however, a gap in the literature exists on students' perspectives of faculty site visits in nurse practitioner education. This article presents the results of a study on students' perceptions of the most useful aspects of the site visit, suggestions for improving site visits, and changes made in the practicum after the site visit.