Transitioning the Family Nurse Practitioner into Specialty Practice

Background There is minimal existing data regarding the significant transition into practice for Nurse Practitioners, especially Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) transitioning into specialty clinical practice. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine whether FNPs are able to successfully transition into specialty practice through self-report of their perceived comfort and competence, understanding of their advanced practice role by others, collegial support, and communications and relations with patients. Methods This study used the 16-item, 7-point Likert Scale Nurse Practitioner Role Transition Scale (NPRTS) in addition to 5 open-ended questions to measure confidence and support related to transition into specialty practice. Results From a sample of 23 FNPs,the overall mean score for the NPRTS was 2.19 (SD=0.66) indicating a low level of confidence and support throughout their transition into specialty clinical practice. Conclusions The results of this study concluded that having a formal orientation results in an easier transition into specialty clinical practice for FNPs; however, the majority of the FNPs in this study did not feel prepared for this transition into clinical practice. Implications for Advanced Practice Nursing FNP program directors and clinical specialty administrators are stakeholders in the transition into specialty practice process and should use these study results to help further support FNPs