Neonatal Nurse Practitioners: Influences on Career Choice

BackgroundThere is a nationwide shortage of neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs). Strategies to increase NNPs must be informed by an understanding of their career motivations and decision processes.MethodsMail survey of all NNPs who applied to take the initial certification exam between January 2010 and June 2011 (N = 491).ResultsResponse rate was 84.6%. Most NNPs (60%, n = 214) decided to pursue education as an advanced practice nurse while in practice as an RN and 22% (N = 80) prior to becoming an RN.ConclusionsTo increase the number of practicing NNPs, the most robust recruitment efforts should occur among current RNs.