The influence of practice experiences on feelings of role proficiency in emergency nurse practitioners: A phenomenological study

This research explores how emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) become role proficient given experience variation and lack of role standardisation.

To understand how ENPs experiences in practice influence their feelings of role proficiency.

A hermeneutic phenomenological study was undertaken utilizing an interpretive standpoint. A two-phase approach was adopted with ten participants using a digital diary informing a semi-structured interview. A three-stage data analysis approach was applied.

Six themes emerged: the meaning of role proficiency, relationships, confidence, learning and knowledge, exposure and experience, and care. Models of proficiency and its development are presented.

Proficiency is defined where confidence in the components that proficiency consists of and their application to each clinical presentation is required. Proficiency is a continuum supported by regulatory mode theory. Inconsistency of role understanding gives rise to three ENP groups, resistors, maintainers, and innovators.

Role clarity is required to establish a consistent culture within organisations founded on the voice of the ENP as captured in this research. This model of proficiency be incorporated in ENP role development for current and future ENPs.