Characteristics and perceptions of the US nurse practitioner hospitalist workforce

Background: The use of nurse practitioners (NPs) as hospitalists has grown over the last two decades. Based on current educational preparation, certification, and scope of practice, the acute care NP is considered by professional standards the best prepared to care for the needs of acutely and critically ill patients. Little is known about this sector of the NP workforce. Purpose: The study was designed to identify the NP hospitalist workforce's characteristics and describe the NP hospitalist workforce's perception of the work environment. Methods: We deployed five questions in the 2019 American Association of Nurse Practitioners National NP Sample Survey. Of 880 respondents working in an eligible inpatient setting, 366 responded that they work as hospitalists caring for adult patients. Results: Most respondents (n = 275, 74.7%) were certified in primary care. On-the-job training was the most common qualification to be an NP hospitalist (n = 274, 75%). The majority (n = 252, 68.9%) had a collaborative relationship with a physician at their site. Job satisfaction was significantly correlated with full utilization of one's education and practicing to the fullest extent of the state's scope of practice with an r(360) = .719, p = .00 (two-tailed). Implications for practice: The prevalence of on-the-job training as the most common preparation for the hospitalist role suggests a need to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of NPs not initially educated as acute care NPs who work as hospitalists. Nurse practitioner educators should address the evolving workforce needs of both primary and acute care practice when planning and implementing educational programs.