Hamilton, Laura B.2023-06-222023-06-222022-08http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12087/180Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Nursing PracticeAim and Background: There is a dearth of evidence to support creating a sense of community among advanced practice nurse practitioners (NPs). This quality improvement project (QIP) established a formal strategy to encourage collegiality and instill a sense of community among the nurse practitioner workforce by facilitating teammate collaboration, communication, and connection. The QIP aimed to establish a volunteer-based nurse practitioner council (NPC) consisting of a governing board and four practice-focused committees. Methods: A quasi-experimental designed study was conducted on a convenience sample of 89 nurse practitioners. The study evaluated the sense of community among nurse practitioners by utilizing the Sense of Community Index (SCI-2) tool before and after implementing a nurse practitioner council. Results: Implementation of the NPC resulted in participation by 30% of the NPs. The Sense of Community (SOC) Index scores increased by 4%. The rate of participation and increase in the total SOC scores over the seven months of this pilot project was a positive trend, indicating that the NPC positively impacted the NPs. Conclusions: Implementation of a volunteer-based nursing practice council is an effective strategy to create a sense of community, improve connections, and increase a sense of belonging within a nurse practitioner practice. The NP Council contributes to the evidence and methodology for implementing a community of practice as applied to advanced practice nursing. Implications for Advanced Practice: The concept that work can be empowering, supportive, and within an enjoyable workplace community can transform an organization. Providing a shared governance council signals to the NP workforce that their work matters and is integral to the organization's success.en-USNursingLeadershipThesis