Development of the novice nurse practitioner role transition scale: An exploratory factor analysis

Abstract

Background: Novice nurse practitioner role transition (NNPRT) can be described as stressful and turbulent, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased intent to leave. No published instrument exists to measure NNPRT. Thus, researchers, educators, and administrators are limited in their ability to measure the concept and therefore understand the factors that lead to a successful, or unsuccessful, role transition experience. An instrument with evidence of validity and reliability is needed to conduct large-scale and systematic examinations of NNPRT. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the initial factor structure of a novel instrument that measures NNPRT. Methods: Initial item development was guided by concept analysis, literature review, and qualitative data. Face and content validity were established from expert review. Using pilot data from 89 novice nurse practitioners (NPs), an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the instrument's internal factor structure. Results: The NNPRT Scale includes 40 items that measure an individual's perception of their role transition experience. The EFA revealed a five-factor structure: organizational alignment, mentorship, sense of purpose, perceived competence and self-confidence, and compensation. Implications for practice: In an evolving health care system, provider well-being is at the center of workforce, educational, and organizational conversations. Understanding how to optimize the workforce and prepare NPs for health care delivery is increasingly important. The NNPRT Scale will allow for large-scale examinations of the factors that influence NP role transition, as well as assess interventions to prepare and support novice NPs' transitions.

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

“…When we also considered the theoretical framework used to guide instrument development and the history of item generation (Barnes et al, 2022), the suggested factors aligned with the domains under which the items were originally developed. First, "I understand what is expected of me in my role as an NP" (moved to "Perceived Competence and Self-Confidence") was originally generated under "Role Ambiguity", a subdomain of "Role Acquisition."…”

“…We used a cross-sectional design to collect data from a convenience sample of novice NPs, separate from the sample collected and used for the previous EFA analysis ( Barnes et al, 2022). Data were collected online via a confidential Qualtrics survey over a 4-month period in early 2021.…”

“…The total NNPRT Scale score was calculated by summing the item scores and dividing by the number of items; a higher score indicates a more positive role transition experience. Internal consistency reliability was previously calculated at 0.96 (Barnes et al, 2022).…”

Effect of Transitional Training Program on Knowledge and Experience of Novice Nurses’ Role Transition

“…(1) Novice nurses face a critical role transition process through their first months on the job. (2) Role transition is defined as the process of moving from one state to another, which is usually associated with significant changes in goals, roles, and responsibilities. (3) Novice nurses' role transition can be described as stressful and turbulent, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased intent to leave.…”

“…Multiple sources of supports are essential from colleagues; educators, and administrators associated with guidance from head nurses and superiors. (2) Many areas emerged as opportunities to support novice nurse transition such as: awareness of role transition, preceptorship, social support, and orientation. (18) Novice nurses struggle with the challenge of providing safe and competent care to their customers while continuing to fill the gaps in developing their knowledge base.…”