| Abstract [eng] |
Advanced practice nursing in Lithuania is a rapidly developing professional field that is receiving increasing attention; however, there is still a lack of research on the expectations and professional motivation of advanced practice nurses. The activities of APNs encompass not only high-level clinical competencies but also greater responsibility, autonomy, and leadership within healthcare teams. Both professional fulfillment and financial recognition are important for their motivation, while working conditions and the social environment can significantly influence their engagement and job satisfaction. Research aim – to identify the expectations and professional motivation factors of advanced practice nurses. Research objectives: 1. To identify the expectations of nurses when choosing the advanced practice nursing profession. 2. To identify the internal and external factors influencing the professional motivation of APNs. 3. To identify the attitudes of APNs towards the motivational measures applied in their work environment. Research methods. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 12 advanced practice nurses working in primary healthcare and emergency care settings. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical principles, ensuring participant anonymity. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify key categories. Research results. Most respondents were under 30 years of age and had 4–9 years of work experience. The expectations of APNs were related to greater autonomy, competency development, career opportunities, higher pay, and leadership roles. The main motivating factors were professional growth, organizational support, colleague recognition, and patient trust. Among the demotivating factors, the lack of clear legal regulations—resulting in insufficiently defined functions, responsibilities, and levels of autonomy—was highlighted, alongside limited autonomy in practice and systemic constraints. The data revealed that motivation is strengthened not only by financial incentives but also by opportunities for professional development and organizational support. Conclusions. 1) The choice of the advanced practice nursing profession is driven by internal motives: the desire for more responsibility, autonomy, and opportunities for professional development. 2) The key motivating factors are financial and non-financial incentives, professional growth, and organizational support. 3) Advanced practice nursing requires clearer legal regulation of competencies and stronger institutional support. Recommendations. Increase the autonomy of APNs, ensure clear legal regulation of their competencies, responsibilities, and scope of autonomy, strengthen professional development programs, improve financial remuneration and organizational support, and promote a positive attitude among colleagues and the public. |
