Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 76-11(E), Section: B.

Adviser: Nancy Reynolds.

The purpose of this study was to describe the individual characteristics, role acquisition and job satisfaction of novice nurse practitioners (NPs), and identify the factors associated with their successful transition and turnover intention in the first year of primary care (PC) practice. This research study was a descriptive, cross-sectional quantitative design conducted via online survey administered by Qualtrics. A national sample of NPs who had graduated from an accredited NP program and were practicing in a PC setting for 3-12 months participated in the study.

The study was comprised of a researcher-created demographic and background questionnaire and several psychometrically tested instruments: Psychological Empowerment Meaning Subscale, a modified Social Support Questionnaire Short Version (SSQ6), the Role Ambiguity Scale, Grundy's Confidence Scale, The Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale, and the Anticipated Turnover Scale. Five open-ended questions were included at the end of the questionnaire to assess aspects of the workforce transition not otherwise captured.

The average participant (n=177) was female, 35 years old, Caucasian, married, and not presently supporting dependents. Results showed that 57.6% of the sample attended a traditional master's program, 41.2% had six or more years of prior RN experience, and 90.4% reported having a workplace mentor whom they could ask questions. Professionally, the average participant held a master's degree in nursing, is a family NP and works 40 or more hours per week. In addition, the following were the most commonly occurring characteristics of the sample: six or more years of previous RN experience; no prior healthcare related employment other than RN, and working in a private practice PC setting.

Variables showing significant relationships to turnover intention (p<.01) included: role ambiguity (-.51), professional autonomy (-.62), and quality of professional and interpersonal relationships (-.57). Multiple regression results indicated that turnover intention was significantly influenced by higher professional autonomy beta-.44, t=-3.42, p=.001) and lower role ambiguity (beta=-.20, t=-2.14, p=.03). The regression model explained approximately 48% of the variance in turnover intention for the sample. This research study demonstrated that greater professional autonomy in the workplace is a critical factor in turnover intention in novice NPs in the PC setting. Further research is needed to evaluate the successful transition of novice NPs into the workforce to determine ways of providing adequate professional autonomy and how best to support them during the transitional period.