Understanding the Residency Experience of Nurse Practitioners in Fraser Health: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundThe transition from student to full-scope Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a phase marked by challenges such as patient complexity, expanding scopes of practice, and role ambiguity. NPs expanding presence in healthcare environments, especially those involving complex patient care, necessitates the development of skills, competence, and confidence to practice at their full scope.PurposeThis study evaluated the experiences of NPs participating in the residency program within Fraser Health (FH), British Columbia, to gain insights into how the program impacted their transition to independent practice.MethodsA phenomenological qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured one-on-one interviews with fifteen NPs who completed the residency program. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes associated with various clinical phenomena.FindingsThree themes emerged from the analysis: recruitment, transition to practice, and areas for improvement. The residency program significantly influenced NPs' decisions to join FH, offering structured mentorship and professional development opportunities that attracted NPs from diverse backgrounds. Participants valued the exposure to various specialties and clinical environments, which enhanced their clinical skills and confidence. The program facilitated the building of professional networks, providing support and interprofessional collaboration. Despite the benefits, participants identified areas for improvement.ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of structured residency programs in supporting new-graduate NPs during their transition to independent practice. Enhancing standardization and incorporating formal competency assessments could further improve residency outcomes. Investing in structured transition programs is essential to ensure new NPs are well-prepared to provide high-quality, independent care.