Background: Previous studies evaluating work engagement of nurses revealed work-related factors and nurse demographics affecting work engagement. Low work engagement yields a decrease in productivity, high turnover, loss of revenue, and, most importantly, patient safety concerns. Aim: To investigate the relationship between nurse-related and work-related variables associated with work engagement and provide a model that explains work engagement. Method: This study employed an observational, cross-sectional study design, with 201 registered nurses working in acute care hospitals in the United States participating in the study. Four work-related and five nurse-related variables were evaluated and used in the work engagement model. A standard multiple regression was performed using the work-and nurse-related factors regressed onto work engagement. Structural equation model procedures were performed to examine the association between predictive variables and work engagement.

Undergraduate administrators, faculty, and staff support pre-health students during their academic preparation. In addition, they provide them with appropriate advisement services and resources to position them to successfully apply to various health professions programs. While there are similarities and differences between physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), they play important roles in the provision of healthcare in the United States and abroad. A better understanding of these two professions is needed. This chapter aims to introduce administrators, faculty, and staff to the scope of practice and educational preparation of PAs and NPs, as well as the application processes for their respective programs. The authors also discuss mental health stressors and burnout experienced by both PA and NP students and providers in hopes of encouraging interventions at the undergraduate level.