Communication, leadership and organizational support facilitate successful transition into practice for nurse practitioners in the emergency department.

Abstract

Postgraduate programs, specialized academic programs, and national health organizations such as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) have identified and begun addressing the gap in knowledge, skills, and factors for successful transition into practice. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships and differences among the personal and community resources that promote successful transition for nurse practitioners (NP) who practice in the emergency department (ED) and the skills or procedures they find difficult to perform independently. A descriptive, correlational, comparative study design was conducted using an online survey administered to a convenience sample of NPs with 6 months to 5 years of experience as an NP. Findings from this study identified factors associated with successful and unsuccessful transition into practice and help support positive outcomes for health care institutions, ED patients, and NPs practicing in this specialty area. Support in transition recognizes recommendations set by health care organizations in promoting professional development, safe clinical practice, job satisfaction, and retention. Further study will provide clarity in financial gains and improved patient health outcomes during a time in which complex disease processes and provider shortages continue to weigh heavily on society.