Preventing Inpatient NP Burnout: The Power of Adequate Staffing and Leadership

Background Nurse practitioner (NP) burnout related to high patient-to-NP ratios needs to be addressed. Objectives To survey inpatient pediatric NPs, assess burnout and characterize associated workload and support. Design Online cross-sectional survey conducted in three phases from March 2022 to August 2023. Subjects and Setting Inpatient specialty NPs from 32 hospitals. Results Fisher's exact test and logistic regression were implemented. A patient-to-provider (NP or resident) ratio of more than 5:1 was associated with NP burnout (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.0, 12.0 and OR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.1, 16.2, respectively, p < .05). Among NPs without burnout, 100% had organizational NP leadership (p = .012). Interpretation Though limited by a small convenience sample, a patient-to-provider ratio over 5:1 was associated with NP burnout, and NP leadership was protective. Further research of cost analysis, retention, and patient quality and safety measures are needed. Conclusion Lower patient-to-NP ratios and NP leadership play a pivotal role in preventing burnout.