The use of nurse practitioners in pediatric institutions.
BACKGROUND
Across the United States nurse practitioners (NPs) are used in widely different ways even when they are employed in similar settings. The purpose of this survey was to describe the use of NPs in pediatric hospitals.


METHODS
A survey was conducted of the chief nurse officers in pediatric hospitals associated with the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. Questions were asked about hiring practices, qualifications, specialties of the NPs employed, practice arrangements, patient volume, and reimbursement. The 22-question survey instrument was developed by the authors. The response rate for the survey was 86% (42 of 49 surveys were returned).


RESULTS
The results identified that most of the hospitals surveyed reported less than 50,000 clinic visits per year, NPs were used most often in the specialties of neonatology, hematology/oncology, and primary care, more than one half of the surveyed hospitals required a masters degree for NPs, only 22% of NPs had prescriptive authority, and NPs practiced in 88% of surveyed pediatric hospitals.


CONCLUSIONS
Institutional and statutory boundaries continued to limit the practice of the NP. Inconsistent education and practice standards and a lack of understanding and acceptance of the role also inhibit NPs from being used to the fullest potential in pediatric hospitals.
Pitts
J
J
Family Care Center, Galion, Ohio 44833, USA.
Seimer
B
B
D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010560:Personnel Selection; D013041:Specialties, Nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce