title: A descriptive study of current neonatal nurse practitioner practice.
abstract: This study describes the role of the neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) in current practice and identifies facilitators and constraints to practice perceived by individuals currently practicing as NNPs. The 7-point scale used in this study allowed respondents to identify specific conditions of NNP practice, from highly facilitating (+3) to very constraining (-3). Each item was followed by a clarification section. The questionnaire was mailed to 1,521 individuals holding current NNP certification in the U.S. Data were analyzed using a total facilitation score. The possible range for this score (+225 - (-)225) is based on the numerical range of the scale (+3 - (-)3) multiplied by the 75 items in the facilitation section of the questionnaire. Actual scores ranged from +195 to -114, indicating that NNPs are more facilitated than constrained in their practice. Empirical data generated by this study will help in developing a theoretical model for NNP practice and provide important information for shaping the future role of the NNP.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ruth-Sanchez
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Bosque
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007587:Job Description; D016294:Models, Nursing; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States