The fact that almost one-third of NPs and one-fourth of PAs feel they are overextended and overworked is not lost here. This information is interesting in light of the projection that the workloads of NPs and PAs will increase with the introduction and expansion of team-based health care and with the implementation in primary care of the “medical home” practice model.
Participants were invited to append comments to their responses; these, while of course anecdotal, were rather illuminating of the mindset “in the trenches.” Many clinicians commented on the satisfaction they achieve from providing care and education to patients, their independence as practitioners, and the intellectual and instinctual challenges of diagnosis.
However, several voiced the opinion that NP and PA education programs are no longer as “competitive” as they used to be, noting that the expansion of such programs has led to a perceived attitude of “If you have the dough, you can go.” (As the dean of a PA program, I am of course concerned by this perspective.) This view of the educational system was also reflected in the response to a question about pursuit of a clinical doctorate, with 67% of NPs and 86% of PAs indicating they felt it would not enhance their ability to practice. (On the other hand, one wonders if this is because the majority of respondents are older and have been in the profession longer.)
A similar study by Jackson Healthcare (2012-2013) also noted high levels of job satisfaction among NPs and PAs, with only 5% reporting that they were “very dissatisfied.” In that survey, the five top drivers of NP/PA satisfaction included work environment (37%), patients (28%), compensation (27%), autonomy (21%), and growth opportunities (14%).2
In the same study, NPs and PAs were asked about negative aspects of their jobs. Respondents voiced concern over patient confusion with the NP/PA role, increased administrative duties, and problems with electronic medical records. A significant number mentioned a lack of understanding by physicians and others about the role PAs and NPs play in health care.2
The Jackson study corroborates our findings that overall, NPs and PAs are satisfied with our role and the future of our professions. Our professions continue to be critically important in responding to the converging trends in health care, so it is heartening to see that they continue to offer attractive, fulfilling opportunities to serve tomorrow’s health care needs. At the same time, it is evident that there are some areas with room for improvement. What are your thoughts (good and bad)?
Email me at PAEditor@frontlinemedcom.com.
REFERENCES
1. American Medical Group Association. Survey Reveals Advanced Practice Clinician Workforce Continues to Grow and Incentive Pay Is an Increasing Part of the Compensation Mix [press release]. February 12, 2014. www.amga.org/AboutAMGA/News/article_news.asp?k=727. Accessed February 28, 2014.
2. Jackson Healthcare. Advanced Practice Trends 2012-2013: An Attitude & Outlook on Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. www.jacksonhealthcare.com/media/182734/advancedpracticetrendsreport_ebook0313_lr.pdf. Accessed March 21, 2014.