Files
Abstract
As the role of the nurse practitioner (NP) has evolved and scope of practice has recently expanded, the impact and utilization of NP provided care must be evaluated, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). This quality improvement project examines the multidisciplinary team members knowledge and perceptions of the NP role across four adult ICUs at an academic hospital in a full practice authority state. A 15-question anonymous survey was distributed to the cardiac, neurosciences, trauma, and medical ICUs specifically targeting the multidisciplinary team and NPs. Through multiple choice and open-ended questions, the goal was to identify knowledge gaps and themes surrounding the NP role, practice impact, and utilization in the ICU setting. Collectively, most responses identified NPs as being a valuable, integral part of the ICU team while supporting incorporation, independence, and onboarding training for new NPs. Findings suggest a need to address knowledge gaps in licensure and delineation of the NP role within the ICU. Results from this survey offer valuable themes to contribute to the development of future initiatives focused on strengthening the NP role and enhancing their impact on patient care in the ICU setting.