A programmatic taxonomy to define, differentiate, and classify nurse practitioner postgraduate training

Abstract

Postgraduate residencies and fellowships have become a growing foundational element in the early career path for new nurse practitioners (NPs) and for NPs changing areas of specialization. The proposed programmatic taxonomy provides a straightforward method to recognize and classify NP postgraduate training programs with differing missions, structures, and outcome objectives. Models of postgraduate training for NPs are identified, defined, and differentiated. Each model can serve as an essential and specific purpose for the sponsoring organization. The programmatic models for NP postgraduate training programs are residency, fellowship, and "additional programs." Differences between residency and fellowship are described. The taxonomy then compares and contrasts the three models on five overarching programmatic characteristics, namely, mission, goals, environment, evaluation, and duration. The potential impact of adopting the NP postgraduate training taxonomy on the NP profession, the public, funding, accreditation, and the early career development of NPs is explored. Recommendations for next steps are suggested.

Beyond competence and retention: Developing a comprehensive evaluation framework for a rural primary care nurse practitioner residency program

“…However, guidance has been vague or focused on individual assessments of residents rather than holistic program evaluation (Brown et al, 2015; Hande et al, 2022). Evaluation, as defined by Rettie and Huynh (2022), includes explicit monitoring processes and protocols to assess if educational objectives have been achieved, incorporating trainee and faculty assessment, program and organizational evaluation, and timely constructive feedback. Establishing evaluation components for measuring program outcomes is recognized as a critical success factor in various publications related to postgraduate NP residency and fellowship programs (Brown et al, 2015; Kesten & El-Banna, 2021; Sciacca & Reville, 2016).…”

The state of acute care postgraduate training: Faculty observations

“…Postgraduate training programs (PTPs) for all nurse practitioners (NPs) have been evolving and increasing in popularity since 2007. Nurse leaders in the field have done significant work to develop standardized language and certifications for these programs (Hicks et al, 2018; Rettie & Huynh, 2022) and there are over 300 PTPs currently offered across the nation. Although there is still some controversy on the necessity of such health system-driven programs, there is an increase in the body of evidence to support their creation and utilization.…”