Study: Nurse executives recommend competency-based APP career ladders

Nurse leaders at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford who implemented a competency-based career ladder for advanced practice providers say it is an effective retention tool. Writing in the March issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration, the leaders say they launched a four-level career ladder for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in 2023. Most advanced practice providers (72%) agreed or strongly agreed the career ladder clarified clinical competencies and offered a development pathway (77%), with those working at inpatient facilities reporting greater awareness than those in outpatient settings. Voluntary turnover decreased from 9% in 2023 to 5% by 2025. The authors say the career ladders supported growth and recognized the contributions of advanced practice providers at the Hartford, Conn.-based system.