Background
Utilizing skills identified in previous research on successful role transition, this study evaluated the relationship between a strategically designed practicum course and the readiness for role transition to family nurse practitioner (FNP) in graduate nursing students.
Methods
A mixed methods approach evaluated pre‐ and post‐participation survey data for the FNP role preparedness in graduate nursing students in a strategically designed practicum course. The survey addressed 22 skills associated with readiness for role transition and had three open‐ended questions to collect narrative student perceptions.
Results
Mann‐Whitney U tests revealed readiness for the FNP role increased from pre to post‐participation in the course for 19 out of 22 skills with significant increases (P < 0.05) for one skill and marginally significant increases (P < 0.10) for three skills. Qualitative findings yielded an overall sense of readiness in students for novice FNP roles.
Conclusion
A well‐designed practicum course that reviews prior knowledge gained through the program and reinforces critical thinking, assessment, and decision‐making skills facilitates role transition from registered nurse to novice FNP.