ABSTRACT
Introduction
We examined factors influencing pediatric hospital-based APPs’ career decisions and
described the transition to practice experiences.
Method
We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive electronic survey using a novel instrument
to examine APP career decisions and transition to practice experiences among APPs
in four Southeastern children's hospitals.
Results
There were 158 respondents composed of family nurse practitioners (NPs) (30%), primary
care pediatric NPs (24%), and acute care pediatric NPs (18%). APPs chose their career
to further their education (46%) and because of interest in pediatrics (18%). Most
APPs had experience in pediatrics on APP graduation and were well prepared for the
role (47%) and to care for pediatric patients (56%). Nearly two-thirds of APPs had
an orientation.
Discussion
Early exposure to pediatrics influenced APP career choices and increased career preparedness.
Although most APPs had an orientation, future studies should assess the impact of
orientation on patient, professional, and organizational outcomes.
KEY WORDS
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 02, 2023
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
The authors obtained Institutional Review Board approval from the University of Texas at Arlington before beginning data collection.
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
