A confirmatory factor analysis of the novice nurse practitioner role transition scale

Abstract

As interest in supporting new nurse practitioners' (NPs) transition to practice increases, those interested in measuring the concept will need an instrument with evidence of reliability and validity. The Novice NP Role Transition (NNPRT) Scale is the first instrument to measure the concept. The preliminary exploratory factor analysis revealed a five‐factor structure: organizational alignment, mentorship, sense of purpose, perceived competence and self‐confidence, and compensation. Using a cross‐sectional design and data from 210 novice NPs, the purpose of this study was to confirm the NNPRT Scale's internal factor structure via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The sample was primarily female (97.5%), White (75.9%), and certified in primary care (53.5%). The CFA confirmed the five‐factor structure, and model fit was improved by moving and omitting items (χ2[619] = 1277.799, p < 0.001; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.071 [0.066−0.077]). The final NNPRT Scale includes 37‐items, and internal consistency reliability was calculated at 0.95. Convergent validity evidence was supported by a positive, significant correlation with receiving a formal orientation in the first NP position; a negative, significant correlation with turnover intention; and a lack of a relationship with years of prior registered nurse experience. The NNPRT Scale is an instrument with sound evidence of reliability and validity. The NNPRT Scale will be useful for researchers, administrators, and clinicians looking to explore factors that affect NNPRT, as well as by clinicians and administrators implementing programs to support novice NPs' transition to practice.

A hybrid systematic narrative review of instruments measuring home‐based care nurses' competency

“…Only six studies performed CFA. CFA could be used to refine existing theoretical perspectives, support existing structures or verify the hypothesized factor structure of the instrument with a separate sample (Barnes et al., 2023; DiStefano & Hess, 2005). However, as discussed earlier, evidence regarding the scope of practice among HBC nurses is still unclear, which may pose a challenge for studies to examine or perform CFA effectually.…”

“…Only six studies performed CFA. CFA could be used to refine existing theoretical perspectives, support existing structures or verify the hypothesized factor structure of the instrument with a separate sample (Barnes et al, 2023;DiStefano & Hess, 2005).…”

Nurse Practitioners

“…Although many survey instruments to assess transition effectiveness for RNs exist, these instruments have yet to be validated for NPs. Only very recently has a specific instrument been developed to measure NP transition-namely, the Novice Nurse Practitioner Transition Scale (Barnes et al, 2021(Barnes et al, , 2023. Consequently, measurement of this concept is in its infancy, and the utilization of appropriate, population-specific instruments in future studies will be essential to ensure that program objectives are met.…”