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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8522-7265
Date of Graduation
12-14-2024
Semester of Graduation
Fall
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
School of Nursing
First Advisor
Erica Lewis
Abstract
Improving access to quality, affordable, and timely healthcare is a national priority. Health systems across the United States are utilizing Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) to fill the void in healthcare delivery. As provider shortages continue and the demand for APCs increases, organizations must develop robust structures to support APC engagement, retention, job satisfaction, and professional growth. Currently, 44% of the provider workforce within a large urban health system are APCs, yet despite substantial APC provider labor pool representation, the organization had little infrastructure to support APC professional growth and no mechanism for organizational involvement. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to evaluate the effect of an Advanced Practice Clinician Council (APCC) on APC outcomes survey responses. The APCC was developed based on evidence to provide the structure and platform necessary to increase engagement, increase APC visibility, improve peer support through leadership and mentorship, and enhance communication, job satisfaction, and retention. This QI project utilized a pre/post-intervention study design. APCs self-evaluated their professional experience via a health system generated XM Qualtrics Experience (XP) Survey. Analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics comparing the results of the 2023 XP survey (pre-intervention) to the post-intervention survey results in the spring of 2024 for the constructs described. A descriptive qualitative analysis was deployed to assess APC perceptions of the Council using a brief four question free-response survey. The quantitative sample included 119 APCs, and the qualitative sample included 28 APCs from the same APC pool. The setting included ambulatory and acute care. The APCC was implemented in January 2024. While favorable responses increased in two areas, intent to stay scores declined slightly. Qualitative findings indicate largely positive perceptions of the council. To support an optimal APC practice environment, healthcare organizations must develop, implement, and promote systems-level interventions, like an APC Council.
