Growing Neonatal Advanced Practice Providers via Mentorship Can Fill the Need

Abstract

Background: The need for neonatal advanced practice providers (APPs) has been described. Hospital training programs for neonatal physician assistants (PAs) have been developed by physicians. No publications exist about programs administered by neonatal APPs for both new graduate neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) and neonatal PAs. Purpose: The purpose of this work was to mentor, train, and hire neonatal APPs in a program administered by neonatal APPs. Methods: We developed a 2-pronged approach to attract PAs and new graduate NNPs. Marketing strategies included receptions, information, and mentorship. A 12-month neonatal PA fellowship program included clinical mentorship and weekly didactics. Case-based presentations were provided by neonatal APPs, neonatologists, and allied professionals. The new graduate NNP program included clinical mentorship and monthly meetings with peer support, lectures, and case presentations. Neonatal APPs were clinical mentors. Team-building activities supported mentorship and collaboration among all care providers. Findings: In less than 5 years, 10 PAs and 11 new graduate NNPs have been trained and hired, as well as experienced neonatal APPs hired for this regional neonatology program. For the first time in years, locum tenens neonatal APPs are not required. We have developed a “tool kit” of content, activities, exercises, and evaluations to support successful attainment of expected competencies. Implication for Research: Future studies can measure retention, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. Implication for Practice: A successful training program has been implemented to meet the growing demand. We support the values of integrity, collaboration, and equity to facilitate this successful paradigm shift among all neonatal professional team members.

Do We Nurture Our Young? Qualitative Conceptual Analysis of Worst and Best Mentorship Experiences Among Neonatal Advanced Practice Providers

“…Both neonatology PA fellowship and new graduate NNP orientation programs were developed and implemented in a 5-year period. 29 At the time of this study, 10 neonatal PAs, and 11 new graduate NNPs had been trained and hired, along with experienced AAPs, with more since that time. 29 Since the implementation of both programs, there has been a 95% retention rate.…”

“…29 At the time of this study, 10 neonatal PAs, and 11 new graduate NNPs had been trained and hired, along with experienced AAPs, with more since that time. 29 Since the implementation of both programs, there has been a 95% retention rate. One neonatal PA left because her husband's job was moved across country.…”

Neonatal Care Provider Tasks in the NICU and Delivery Room

“…More recently, there are published descriptions of programs administered by neonatal APPs. 16 Origins of the current approach to task organization and preparation for neonatal care in the NICU were not easily found in the literature. Suggestions of preparation for rounds in adult inpatient areas can be found in numerous Internet and twitter postings among medical students.…”

“…Over time, other care providers have filled the gap. In the NICU, NNPs 3,6,7 and specially trained neonatal PAs [14][15][16] work with neonatologists to provide care around the clock, as recommended by the AAP. 4 The first expanded roles for neonatal nurses were developed in the early 1970s to meet the needs of academic level III NICUs, for neonatal transport, and in level II special care nurseries as a first responder.…”

“…Early programs were developed and administered by neonatologists. More recently, there are published descriptions of programs administered by neonatal APPs 16…”