Nurse practitioner's characteristics and job satisfaction

Purpose: To identify the demographics and job satisfaction levels of currently working nurse practitioners (NPs) in California. Data sources: The Mueller McCloskey Satisfaction Scale (MMSS) was mailed to a random sample of 200 California NPs with active licensure. Descriptive analysis was employed. Conclusions: The NPs reported high levels of job satisfaction according to the MMSS. Aspects of the job that showed significant levels of satisfaction were schedules, flexibility of hours, and interprofessional relationships. NPs were least satisfied with not having professional opportunities such as participation in nursing research, writing/publishing, and belonging to a department/nursing committee. Implications for practice: The findings may be used to guide NP recruitment and retention strategies, influence practice issues, and facilitate job satisfaction for NPs by employing agencies.