title: A survey of oncology advanced practice nurses in Ontario: profile and predictors of job satisfaction.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine role structures and processes and their impact on job satisfaction for oncology advanced practice nurses (APNs) in Ontario. APNs caring for adult, paediatric or palliative patients in integrated regional cancer programs, tertiary care hospitals or community hospitals and agencies were invited to complete a mailed self-report questionnaire. A total of 73 of 77 APNs participated in the study. Most APNs (55%) were acute care nurse practitioners employed by regional cancer programs or tertiary care hospitals. Adult patients with breast or haematological cancers and those receiving initial treatment or palliative care were the primary focus of APN roles. APN education needs related to specialization in oncology, leadership and research were identified. Overall, APNs were minimally satisfied with their roles. Role confidence (beta = .404, p = .001) and the number of overtime hours (beta = -.313, p = .008) were respective positive and negative predictors of APN job satisfaction. Progress in role development is described, and recommendations for improving role development and expanding the delivery of oncology APN services are provided.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON. bryantl@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bryant-Lukosius
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fitch
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Macartney
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robb-Blenderman
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McFarlane
authors.forename: Kwadwo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bosompra
authors.forename: Alba
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: DiCenso
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Milne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D009864:Ontario; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload