25 Years of NP Sample Survey Data: Geospatial Mapping for the Future

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to replicate the National NP Sample Survey (NPSS) to provide a large-sample comparison with data collected over the past 25 years with a purpose of drawing conclusions regarding the NP Workforce.  This presentation is designed t o provide NP faculty with an estimation of the future along multiple dimensions, through identification of trends over time, as well as at one point-in-time across NPs at various stages of their career.

Summary: From November 2009-January 2010, the NPSS was conducted, replicating surveys  conducted in 1988-89, 1999, and 2004, with new items to address evolution of the NP role over time.  The four combined datasets provide a unique dataset for evaluating trends   

The six-paged NPSS was mailed to a random sample of 25,000 NPs. The stratified sample slightly under-sampled FNPs and over-sampled smaller groups.  A supplemental email invitation and link to an online version of the survey for those in the sampling frame for whom valid email addresses were available. All 25,000 received a second survey packet as a reminder approximately three weeks after the first mailing.  Only surveys from practicing NPs were included in the analysis.  With 13,562 practicing NP responders (56.4%), the sample represents approximately 18.5% of the practicing NP population at the time of the survey and is similar to the overall NP population. 

This large dataset has been compared to earlier data from earlier iterations, identifying trends in NP practice across a wide-range of variables, including geographic and physical practice setting, specialization, interprofessional relationships, education, certification, patient characteristics, practice patterns, compensation and work-related benefits, malpractice experience, and far more.   We are able to identify trends over time, as well as differences within the specific dataset based on variables such as years of experience, highest degree, practice setting, and specialty/population role.

Implications for NP Faculty: It is critical that NP faculty understand the diverse and similar characteristics of those currently in the NP workforce, as well as the trends.  In the context of the changing practice environment for NPs, these data have significant implications for future NP preparation.