Pediatric nurse practitioner practice patterns and compensation in Ohio.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the study was to describe practice patterns and compensation patterns of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) in Ohio.

METHOD

A survey, including open-ended and forced choice questions, was sent to all members of Ohio's chapter of NAPNAP. The resultant sample included 200 female PNPs. Over half had practiced as NPs between 5-29 years, holding at least a Master's degree.

RESULTS

Fifty percent worked full-time in a variety of practice settings; 71% held prescriptive privileges. Most saw patients with a physician on-site and billed for services with the physician's name; few had "on call" responsibilities. The majority spent most of their clinical time with acute visits and providing preventative services. Only 29% had a contract with a collaborating physician and the components of the contract varied greatly. Compensation for services mimicked national rates, annual salaries from $35,000-$90,000/year and hourly rates $19-$40/hour. Salary bonuses were reported by 23%. Two-thirds of the PNPs received benefits.

DISCUSSION

Practice patterns of the Ohio PNPs were found to be consistent with the practice patterns of advanced practice nurses nationally. Most PNPs remain largely uninformed about reimbursement issues. Negotiation of employment contracts with potential employers will be enhanced by demonstration of the positive impact of the NP on the number and type of patients seen, reimbursement possibilities, and quality of care. Future studies need to focus on quantifying the value of the NP.