Attitudes, satisfaction, and perceptions of newborn intensive care staff nurses about the role and performance of neonatal nurse practitioners.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate staff nurse attitudes towards and satisfaction with the role and performance of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs). The sample consisted of 55 Registered Nurses from the staff of a Newborn Intensive Care Unit at university-affiliated children’s hospital. Data were collected by questionnaire which consisted of demographic questions and three scales: an Attitudes Scale, a Satisfaction Scale and a scale which evaluated staff nurse perceptions of appropriate NNP functions. Data analysis revealed that while staff nurses reported a generally positive attitude toward the NNP role, they reported a rather high level of dissatisfaction with the performance of NNPs. Possible sources of staff nurse dissatisfaction were discussed. It is believed that identification and resolution of areas of dissatisfaction will facilitate positive relationships and cooperation between NNPs and staff nurses, and result in improved quality of care to patients, as well as increased job satisfaction for both groups.