title: The role of the neonatal nurse practitioner in post NICU follow-up.
abstract: This descriptive correlational study explored the role of neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) in postneonatal intensive care unit follow-up. A random sample of 505 NNPs completed a researcher-developed instrument pretested for reliability and validity. There was overwhelming agreement (96%) that a role exists for NNPs in follow-up. In total, 52% felt qualified to provide follow-up and 22% were currently in the role. NNPs with previous primary care experience (P = 0.010) were more involved in follow-up. NNPs with additional certification (P = 0.016) or previous primary care experience (P = 0.003) felt more qualified to provide follow-up care. Facilitators and barriers to the role were identified by NNPs providing follow-up care.
authors.affiliation: Simmons College Graduate School for Health Studies, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Beal
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Tiani
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Saia
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Rothstein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D007587:Job Description; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012951:Socialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States