Presentation Title
Evaluation of Current Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Training Programs: A Qualitative Analysis
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Department
Muskie School of Public Service
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Erika Ziller
Keywords
Post-Graduate Training Program; Family Nurse Practitioner Residency; Transition to Practice; Family Nurse Practitioner; Internship and Residency; Fellowships and Scholarships
Abstract
Introduction: Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are master or doctoral-level trained registered nurses that manage the care of patients in the primary care setting. FNP post-graduate training programs further prepare FNPs and ease the transition from education to practice. While FNP post-graduate training programs are emerging and remain relatively new, they are becoming more commonplace as graduates and employers alike seek further preparation to practice in the primary care setting.
Methods: Interview questions were developed using Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guidelines. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. 14 semi-structured interviews with 19 key informants were conducted between July and August 2021. Interviews were recorded and transcribed using Zoom. Data were analyzed and key trends were further studied.
Results: Key informants had shared similarities in selecting residency candidates, curriculum development, accreditation efforts and program evaluation. Each offered unique advice as to how to best implement a residency program and shared successes/challenges that they have faced.
Discussion: The network of family nurse practitioner residency programs is growing. Program directors are eager to share their progress with others and willing to collaborate with those seeking to implement their own programs. Given the evolving level of patient complexity in the primary care setting, the increasing responsibility of FNPs and the rise in the number of post-graduate training opportunities, FNP residencies are emerging as a viable means of bridging education to practice.
Conclusions: The findings of this research are indicative of commonalities shared between residency programs and are also suggestive of long-term program sustainability and standardization. The unique combination of emerging federal grant funding, accreditation options and a stronger support network are all promising indicators of such staying power.
Included in
Evaluation of Current Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Training Programs: A Qualitative Analysis
Introduction: Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are master or doctoral-level trained registered nurses that manage the care of patients in the primary care setting. FNP post-graduate training programs further prepare FNPs and ease the transition from education to practice. While FNP post-graduate training programs are emerging and remain relatively new, they are becoming more commonplace as graduates and employers alike seek further preparation to practice in the primary care setting.
Methods: Interview questions were developed using Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guidelines. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. 14 semi-structured interviews with 19 key informants were conducted between July and August 2021. Interviews were recorded and transcribed using Zoom. Data were analyzed and key trends were further studied.
Results: Key informants had shared similarities in selecting residency candidates, curriculum development, accreditation efforts and program evaluation. Each offered unique advice as to how to best implement a residency program and shared successes/challenges that they have faced.
Discussion: The network of family nurse practitioner residency programs is growing. Program directors are eager to share their progress with others and willing to collaborate with those seeking to implement their own programs. Given the evolving level of patient complexity in the primary care setting, the increasing responsibility of FNPs and the rise in the number of post-graduate training opportunities, FNP residencies are emerging as a viable means of bridging education to practice.
Conclusions: The findings of this research are indicative of commonalities shared between residency programs and are also suggestive of long-term program sustainability and standardization. The unique combination of emerging federal grant funding, accreditation options and a stronger support network are all promising indicators of such staying power.
