Nurse Practitioner Communities of Practice: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: The flexibility and value of the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role has been recognized as providing significant benefits for patient groups internationally since the 1960s, and nationally since 2000. At the time of this study, approximately 400 NPs were endorsed to deliver care across diverse clinical and geographic Victorian locations. However, little was known about the supportive requirements to meet their networking and mentoring needs. The aim of this study was to determine the NPs’ degree of membership and engagement and perceived provision of mentorship with NP Communities of Practice (CoP). Methods: An exploratory prospective cross-sectional multi-site study using an online survey was used to collect data. A total of 182 participants responded to the survey. Findings: NPs depend on each other to learn what they need to learn to transition to the NP role in clinical and non-clinical aspects of the role. While the benefits of NP CoP membership proved instrumental in facilitating transformational leadership knowledge, the Victorian NP CoP reinforced that there was room for improvement in the manner in which the groups were not only set up but also how they continued to meet the cohort’s contemporary needs. Most participants reported associated membership benefits such as support, networking, as well as being able to undertake educational opportunities. Further, a small number found NP CoP membership contributed to their sense of belonging, effectively decreasing their sense of professional isolation. To a lesser degree, mentorship and information sharing were reported. Conclusion: Participants identified the NP CoP as collegial, supportive environments which nurtured and facilitated transition to the NP role. By including educational, leadership, networking, and mentoring opportunities, the Victorian NP CoP decreased professional isolation for both neophyte and experienced NPs. However, the NP CoP did not meet all member’s needs.