title: Nurse practitioner role transition: a concept analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transitioning from registered nurse to nurse practitioner (NP) can be challenging personally and professionally. Insight into transition experiences may help validate the experiences of new NPs and provide greater understanding of the challenges faced during their professional journey.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to report a concept analysis of transition from registered nurse to NP. The article provides new knowledge, understanding, and clarity about the concept of transition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Walker and Avants' framework for concept analysis was used to identify the attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the concept. A literature review of refereed journals was undertaken. Model cases from an ethnographic study conducted in Australia provide real life examples of the attributes of transition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transitioning to the role of NP is complex and dependent on the individual and the attitudes of healthcare colleagues. Change and adaptation are required of both the NP and members of the healthcare team. Failure to adapt by either party undermines the potential for NPs to deliver improved health care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mentorship along with a nurturing environment may be effective strategies for increasing the NP's self-confidence and ensuring a smooth and successful transition period.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Lorna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: MacLellan
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Levett-Jones
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Higgins
mesh_terms: D002322:Career Mobility; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009726:Nurses
keywords: Nurse practitioner; concept analysis; nursing roles; transition