Role transition from registered nurse to nurse practitioner in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: A nurse practitioner (NP) is defined as having comprehensive knowledge to diagnose and treat health conditions. When a registered nurse (RN) transitions to the NP role, several challenges may arise. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the role transition process from an RN to NP and the factors that contribute to a successful or unsuccessful transition. METHOD: This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study employed census sampling of 51 nurse practitioners. Data were collected using the Novice Nurse Practitioner Role Transition (NNPRT) scale and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The response rate was 72.5% (37). Receiving a formal orientation, 67.6% (25) reported. More than half of the participants (64.9%; 24) reported receiving mentorship. Spearman rho coefficient test indicated a significant, moderate positive relationship between NNPRT scale scores and prior years as an RN (rs = 0.18), formal orientation (rs = 0.42), and mentorship (rs = 0.24-0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Formal orientation and specific aspects of mentorship contributed to a successful role transition. Further investigation of other variables is necessary to determine what influences successful or unsuccessful role transitions. Results also indicated that a documented transition program may exist; however, it requires improvement or the implementation of a new role transition program. IMPLICATIONS: These findings highlight the need for coordinated practice, educational, and policy initiatives to implement standardized NP transition programs with mentorship, as organizational support is central to a successful role transition.