Exploring the transition from registered nurse to family nurse practitioner Journal Article


Author: Poronsky, C. B.
Article Title: Exploring the transition from registered nurse to family nurse practitioner
Abstract: There is limited information available regarding the transition from registered nurse (RN) to family nurse practitioner (FNP). Several authors described this transition as taking place in 4 stages, and others described it as a 2-phase process. However, there is a lack of consensus about the definition of these stages and phases and at what point they occur for nurses who are making the transition from an RN to an FNP. From what is known, this multistage/2-phase transition is accompanied by feelings of anxiety, stress, role confusion, and emotional turmoil. As a nurse faculty member, the author theorized that nurse faculty might be in a position to provide support for graduate students making this transition in role. However, there was little information available about the transition phases, stages, and needs of students during graduate school. The search for a framework to explore transition yielded transition theory, which is described and applied to FNP transition in this article. Transition theory may be useful for examining more fully the phases and stages of RN-to-FNP transition. In this time of increased need for qualified primary care providers, it is essential that graduates of FNP programs transition into practice following graduation.
Journal Title: Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Volume: 29
Issue: 6
ISSN: 1532-8481; 8755-7223
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2013
Start Page: 350
End Page: 358
Language: eng
DOI/URL:
Notes: CI: Copyright (c) 2013; JID: 8511298; OTO: NOTNLM; 2011/12/30 [received]; ppublish