Advanced Practice Provider Perceptions of the Pediatric Work Environment in the Postpandemic Era.

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted the pediatric advanced practice provider (APP) workforce, intensifying stressors, and highlighting the importance of work environments that support APP wellbeing and role satisfaction.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe pediatric APPs' organizational climate, structural empowerment, and psychological empowerment, and examine organizational commitment.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among APPs at three Midwestern pediatric health systems. Validated instruments measured organizational climate (NP-PCOCQ), structural empowerment (CWEQ-II), and psychological empowerment (Spreitzer Scale).

RESULTS

Among 145 respondents, mean scores indicated high professional visibility, physician relations, and independent practice, but lower administrative relations. APPs identified a lack of formal power, information, and support. APPs reported strong role meaning but lack of perceived impact. There were high levels of organizational commitment.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to promote administrative relationships, APP leadership roles, and policies that recognize APP contributions to health systems and patient outcomes.