title: An exploration of the factors that influence nurse practitioner transition in Australia: A story of turmoil, tenacity, and triumph.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nurse practitioner (NP) legislation was introduced in Australia in 1998 with the first NPs endorsed 2 years later. Although the number of NPs has slowly increased, they still face significant challenges adjusting to their new role. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that influence the experience of new NPs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten newly appointed NPs were interviewed three to four times over a 12-month period. Using a summative content analysis, data were reduced to four key factors that influence the experience of role transition: personal, intraprofessional, interprofessional, and organizational.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings illustrate that for many participants, transition was a time of turmoil and a great deal of tenacity was required to navigate the journey. However, despite the challenges, some participants were triumphant and able to forge a successful role for themselves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlights the need for the nursing profession to support new NPs. It also demonstrates that the provision of structured orientation programs is needed to facilitate effective transition to these complex and challenging roles. Clarity of expectations and a gradual increase in responsibilities are likely to optimize adjustment to the NP role.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Lorna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: MacLellan
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.affiliation: Research Centre for Health Professional Education, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health & Medicine, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Levett-Jones
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Nurse practitioners; collaboration; international; organizational change; qualitative