Exploring novice nurse practitioner job satisfaction

Background: With the continued increase in new nurse practitioners expected over the next 5 years and beyond, more individuals will experience nurse practitioner role transition. It is beneficial to nurse practitioners, patients, and the health care industry to understand factors relating to job satisfaction during role transition. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to contribute to the understanding of the transition period of new nurse practitioners by exploring demographics and job satisfaction during the first 6 months to 2 years of practice. Methods: This nonexperimental quantitative study employed convenience sampling with survey methodology. Twenty-one Facebook groups/pages were posted on once a week for 6 weeks. Demographic information was collected, and personal experiences were measured with the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale. Results: Practice setting, formal orientation programs, and intent to leave current position were related to overall nurse practitioner job satisfaction during the transition period (p < .05). Satisfaction with time and benefits varied among demographic groups (p < .05). Implications for practice: Novice nurse practitioners are mostly satisfied in their new role. However, turnover intention in this population is high and orientation programs are lacking, warranting further study.