ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5996-4790

Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Regina Prusinski, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC

First Committee Member

Dr. Regina Prusinski, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC

Second Committee Member

Dr. Bonnie Fagan, DNP, APRN, CCRN

Third Committee Member

Dr. Joy Shoemaker, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Keywords

onboarding, orientation, role transition, inpatient, nurse practitioner, education

Subject Categories

Education | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

Abstract

Background: Healthcare specialties are an integral part of patient care yet are briefly discussed throughout the academic journey of the advanced practice provider (APP). Hiring departments or facilities must provide further education on complex specialties. Due to a decline in practicing physicians, APPs will provide more patient care within specialties by 2032.

Purpose: To emphasize the importance of a high-quality onboarding program for the success of the APP, the department, and the hiring facility.

Method: Proposed data collection involves a two-part survey using the Novice Nurse Practitioner Role Transition (NNPRT) scale and an onboarding experiences survey.

Results: A literature thematic analysis indicates a structured onboarding program enhances employee retention, improves knowledge, increases satisfaction, and positively impacts the APPs confidence level. Descriptive statistics from the survey results will be compared to the thematic analysis to identify gaps within inpatient onboarding programs and the current role transition experience.

Conclusion: Research highlights the significance of a high-quality onboarding program and the advantages structured programs offer APPs, departments, and hiring facilities. Despite known benefits, many onboarding and orientation programs still need more structure, which can impede the transition into new roles. Addressing gaps within onboarding programs is crucial with the exponential growth of APPs and the decline in physicians.

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

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