Career Choices and Experiences in Role Transition: A Multistate Survey of Pediatric-Focused Hospital-Based Nurse Practitioners.

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.