title: [The learning experiences of nurse practitioners participating in the NP training program].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Training programs for nurse practitioners (NPs) have been provided in Taiwan since 2006. However, little research has been conducted into the development or assessment of these programs. Investigating the learning experiences of NPs in these programs may provide insights to help improve program quality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This qualitative study used purposeful sampling and semi-structured, in-depth interviews to collect data from 10 NP participants in an NP training programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study used purposeful sampling and semi-structured, in-depth interviews to collect data from ten nurse practitioners regarding their learning experiences during training. Data was analyzed using content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven themes emerged related to participant learning experiences. These themes were: (1) improvements in professional and personal performance; (2) enhancement of professional decision-making; (3) building-up of self-confidence; (4) fulfillment of clinical service during internship; (5) balance of professional and personal roles; (6) evaluation of training effectiveness; and (7) professional roles, expectations, and actual performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Government agencies, institutes of higher education, and the medical profession should cooperate to develop universal standards for NP training and assessments and supervise the administration of NP training properly. In addition, NP training should adopt a learner-oriented approach and be delivered by preceptors with a clear understanding of the professional expectations of the NP role in order to achieve optimal patient care outcomes.
authors: Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Sijhih Cathay General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
authors: Hui-Chun
authors: HC
authors: Han
authors: Graduate Institute of Health Allied Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taiwan, ROC. llhsu@ntunhs.edu.tw.
authors: Li-Ling
authors: LL
authors: Hsu
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D018794:Problem-Based Learning
keywords: learning experience; nurse practitioner; training programs