Differences in Nurse Practitioner Work Effectiveness by Level of Education and Work Experience

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to assess the association of educational level, work experience, and other demographic factors with the perceived impact of nurse practitioner role effectiveness.BACKGROUNDNurse practitioners (NPs) bring value by impacting patient and organizational outcomes in multiple ways. Employers report difficulties differentiating between how MSN- versus DNP-educated NPs affect patient and organizational outcomes.METHODSA cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used in this study that included demographic variables, productivity information, and variables related to perceived organizational outcome impacts.RESULTSParticipants included 128 NPs with an average of 9.5 years of experience as an NP. Years of practice as an NP was correlated with age. Educational preparation (MSN or DNP) was significantly correlated with overall perceived organizational outcomes and with specific outcomes.CONCLUSIONSBased on the results of this study, hiring DNP-prepared NPs is expected to bring a return-on-investment value for organizations.