Title : Bridging the gap: Role transition of the novice nurse practitioner
Abstract:
Background: The transition to practice for post-graduate nurse practitioners (PGNP) can be fraught with uncertainty and apprehension. Graduates move from the role of expert registered nurse (RN) to that of novice nurse practitioner (NNP), navigating a significant shift in their professional responsibilities. This transition can pose challenges for PGNPs as they strive to maintain stability while entering an unfamiliar environment.
Aims: This project seeks to assess the perception of role transition among Nurse Practitioners in their novice stage and to determine whether those who completed a residency program experience a smoother transition compared to those who did not participate in a residency. The goal is to demonstrate the significance of bridging the role transition gap from expert Registered Nurse (RN) to Novice Nurse Practitioner (NNP), highlighting how an NP residency program facilitates this transition.
Methods and Instruments: A quantitative descriptive approach was utilized to gather data from Novice Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) via an online survey. The Novice Nurse Practitioner Role Transition (NNPRT) Scale was employed as the measurement tool to evaluate the impact of role transition on the confidence, clinical competence, and job satisfaction of NNPs, comparing those who completed a residency with those who did not.
Results: The results of this project are ongoing, with preliminary results expected in July 2025 and final results in August 2025.
Implications: Novice Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) who completed a residency experienced a better role transition. Healthcare organizations must understand the importance of developing and implementing a residency program for the NNPs to establish their clinical skills and gain experience to facilitate the transition to becoming healthcare providers.
