Date Available

4-22-2025

Year of Publication

2025

Document Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

College

Nursing

Department/School/Program

Nursing

Faculty

Dr. Debra Hampton

Committee Member

Dr. Tamra Langley

Faculty

Dr. Candice Falls

Abstract

Background: Research has demonstrated that structured orientation helps to integrate new nurse practitioners (NPs) into practice, ease role transition, decrease NP turnover, and lead to better patient care. However, at University of Kentucky HealthCare (UKHC) clinical orientation programs for NPs are not standardized.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement and evaluate a competency-based phased orientation program for NPs in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting at UKHC.

Methods: This project utilized a prospective, single group, presurvey-postsurvey design to examine the effect of a three-phased competency-based orientation program on the outcome variables of NP confidence, autonomy, proficiency of NP role core competencies, procedural competency, and job satisfaction. Additionally, a one group survey of NPs who had already completed orientation was completed to examine the effectiveness of the orientation program for this group of NPs.

Results: Clinical significance was evidenced through improvements in proficiency of all NP core competencies as well as autonomy following orientation, although no statistically significant results were noted. The largest improvement was seen in the core competency “revise plan of care based on effectiveness” (mean 2.33 to 3.33). The mean for NP autonomy post intervention was high at 4.67. Survey results indicated high job satisfaction and retention with most participants being extremely satisfied (Group 1; 83.3%, Group 2 90.9%) with their job following orientation and all participants (100%) saying that they will not be leaving their position in the next year.

Conclusions: The project confirms the benefits of a structured orientation program especially for NPs in the ICU care setting. Having a competency-based structured orientation program may ease role transition, decrease NP turnover, and ultimately lead to better care for patients.

Download

Share

COinS