NONPF 39th Annual Meeting
Background: In 2004, the first national survey was conducted regarding nurse practitioners' (NPs) perceived preparedness for clinical practice after completing their initial NP education. This paper survey was administered at two national NP conferences and was completed by 562 NPs. The results were informative, revealing strengths and areas for improvement in NP education (see Hart & Macnee, 2007, JAANP, 19, 35-42). Since 2004, NP practice and education have experienced many changes, e.g., introduction of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), changes in core competencies for NP education, the APRN consensus document, and increased autonomy and scope of practice for NPs. In order to understand newer NPs' perceptions of preparation for clinical practice and transition into practice, a revised web-based survey was developed for NPs who graduated between 2006 and 2011.
Methods: The survey was developed using KeySurvey and included 81 multiple-choice and six open-ended items. In April 2012, Fitzgerald Health Education Associates (FHEA) electronically distributed the survey to its ~ 51,000 subscribers. Eligibility criteria included graduating from an initial NP program between 2006 and 2011, having NP licensure in the U.S., and having practiced as an NP.
Sample: The survey was completed by 723 NPs with the following foci: family (68%), adult (21%), acute care (5%), pediatric (2%), psychiatric mental health (2%), women's health (1.5%), and geriatric (GNP, 0.5%). Most (90%) respondents had completed master's level NP programs.
Main Findings: Response breakdown for preparedness for practice after initial NP education was: very well-prepared, 3.1%; generally well-prepared, 38.6%; somewhat prepared, 43%; minimally prepared, 11.5%; and very unprepared 3.8%. Regarding their first year of practice, 75% indicated having formal or informal mentors, 25% reported having no mentors, and 48.75% indicated ever feeling like they had practiced outside of their competence level. Most respondents (90%) indicated interest in a formal NP residency program had residency program been available.
Discussion: The survey's findings are especially significant in light of the Institute of Medicine's (2011) report on the Future of Nursing. Additional survey findings, recommendations for NP education and post-graduate education, and suggestions for future studies will be discussed in the actual presentation.
