Perception of the nurse practitioner's role and job satisfaction in the United States Navy

A few studies have specifically examined the role perception and job satisfaction of civilian nurse practitioners (NPs), but no data exist for U.S. Navy NPs. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of the Navy NP's roles by commanding officers, directors of nursing services, physicians, and NPs, and the level of job satisfaction among Navy NPs. A total of 907 questionnaires investigating NP role and job satisfaction were mailed to 29 Naval hospitals and clinics in the United States and overseas. The sample size totaled 450 (50% response rate). Of the 450 respondents, 45 NPs also filled out the Measure of Job Satisfaction survey. There were measurable differences in NP role perception by the sample groups. Role conflict and ambiguity were shown. Autonomy, sense of accomplishment, and time spent in patient care were major satisfiers, whereas pay, overall staffing levels, time available to get through work, and the amount of time spent on administrative work were the major dissatisfiers.