High job satisfaction but greater workload for advanced practice professionals
A study conducted by Jackson Healthcare found that nurse practitioners and physician assistants are taking on more risks, responsibilities, and workloads, but nonetheless report high job satisfaction. Nearly three-quarters of the survey respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their current work environment, while only 5% reported that they were very dissatisfied.
Key factors for work satisfaction include work environment, patients, pay and benefits, autonomy, and variety, while drivers of dissatisfaction included management, feeling undervalued, salary, support staff, and physician attitude. Of the respondents, 21% noted that autonomy led to job satisfaction, while 22% noted that feeling undervalued led to dissatisfaction.
The survey also found that although 83% of respondents will continue in their roles as advanced practice professionals through 2013, the population is aging, with 40% planning to retire within the next 10 years and the majority planning to retire within 15 years.