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Tarule, Shara

Nursing

2013

MS

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are increasingly recognized for their positive contributions to healthcare delivery systems. Simultaneously, unions that represent nurses are increasing in number and size. Nurse practitioners are frequently included in collective bargaining units (CBUs) that represent nurses. Available literature is focused on examining registered hurses (RNs) who are represented by unions, but there is very little written about NPs who are represented by unions. This phenomenological study examined the experiences of seven nurse practitioners, residing in the northeastem United States, who are represented by a nurses' union. Themes illuminating the experience of NPs who are represented by a nurses union are about identity and professionalism, unclear understandings of how NPs came to be included in a nurses' union, implications of union involvement, and what CBU might best represent NPs. Findings generated from this study will benefit the NP considering inclusion in a collective bargaining unit, organizations that advocate for the APRN profession, future union development, and policy and practice in healthcare institutions.