Transition into practice: experiences of Filipino physician-turned nurse practitioners

An increasing number of Filipino physician-turned nurse practitioners (MD-NPs) are working in the United States. This phenomenological study examined the transition-into-practice experiences of eight self-identified Filipino MD-NPs in Las Vegas, Nevada. Four themes emerged from the data. First, unfamiliarity with the U.S. health insurance policies and guidelines was identified as the most frequent and challenging barrier to transition and successful work performance. Second, limited scope of practice and the legal requirement to have a physician collaborator posed problems to some Filipino MD-NPs who were once independent, full-fledged physicians. Third, working in a litigious U.S. health care environment changed their attitudes and practices. Fourth, having the education and experience as a physician facilitated their transition and role as NPs and led to a higher job satisfaction than working as staff nurses. Targeted measures are needed to facilitate the transition of Filipino MD-NPs, especially in the context of patient safety, quality of care, and the retention of these new advanced practice nurses. Further research is needed on their transitional issues, including development and testing of an evidence-based transitional program.