THE TRANSITION FROM REGISTERED NURSE TO NURSE PRACTITIONER

Abstract

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) role has been up-and-coming for the past few decades. There are numerous reasons why this job has grown tremendously and remains in high demand. Some reasons include the national physician shortage, the decline in desire towards the specialty of primary care, issues with access to care (such as in rural areas across the nation), the growth within the aging population, as well as its appeal for increased autonomy, an improved work/life balance, and higher overall compensation. Despite the surge in the NP career path, the experienced registered nurse (RN) must make valuable considerations before advancing in this field, as there are considerable and fundamental differences between both roles. How does an RN transition into an NP, what should an RN expect during this transition, including the challenges that come with it, and how can the novice NP best utilize their prior background in nursing to apply to their current role in healthcare? The aim of the study is to investigate the transition from registered nurse to nurse practitioner. Study objectives. 1. To study motivation to becoming a nurse practitioner. 2. To investigate potential benefits and opportunities of the transition to nurse practitioner. 3. To identify advantages of the nurse practitioner career. 4. To study challenges and barriers during the transition process to nurse practitioner. 5. To study future trends and opportunities for the nurse practitioner. The object of research. The nurse`s career. The subject of research. The transition process from registered nurse to nurse practitioner. The methods of study included the following: a data analysis, a comprehensive analytical method; and statistical research methods. The scientific and practical value of the study. The transition from a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner presents several benefits and opportunities. Firstly, nurse practitioners often experience increased professional autonomy and the ability to provide comprehensive care to patients. With an expanded scope of practice, NPs can independently diagnose, treat, and manage patients, which allows for more efficient and timely care delivery. Additionally, nurse practitioners often have the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty practices, and community health centers. This flexibility offers career diversity and the ability to adapt to changing healthcare needs.