Exploring the impact of organizational belonging on nurse practitioners workforce well-being and team outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are integral to addressing the evolving demands of health care, delivering high-quality, cost-effective care across diverse settings. Despite their critical role, research exploring the impact of organizational belonging on NPs' job satisfaction, burnout, and retention remains limited.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the association between organizational practice environment and organizational belonging for NPs who work across all practice environments.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study surveying NP's across primary, acute, and specialty care areas. Multiple validated instruments were used to scale organizational practice environment, NP organizational belonging, provider comanagement, burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, and intention to leave one's job.

Results: Among 73 respondents, organizational climate significantly influenced NP belonging (β = 1.14, p = .001) and job satisfaction (β = -2.06, p = .002). Organizational belonging was associated with job satisfaction (β = -2.06, p = .010), comanagement (β = 1.87, p = .045), and burnout (β = -3.45, p = .001).

Implications: To enhance NP job satisfaction, health care organizations should prioritize fostering a sense of belonging. Key strategies include promoting role clarity, supporting collaborative practice, and involving NPs in leadership and decision-making processes.

Conclusions: The lack of institutional belonging among NPs is a complex issue influenced by workplace dynamics, role recognition, and organizational culture. Addressing these factors is essential for improving NP retention, job satisfaction, and overall workforce well-being.