Experiences on Role Transition Among Nurse Prescribers

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim was to describe the experiences of nurse prescribers on role transition during nurse prescriber education and working in a new role.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Nurse prescribing has increased globally, bringing a new importance for nursing. Transition into a new nursing role can be motivating, satisfying, and empowering. However, it can also be stressful and complex. It is important to know how the role transition from a nurse to a nurse prescriber could already be facilitated during studies and the first working years in a new role. As little work has been conducted on this topic, there is a gap in this research area.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This phenomenological study was implemented with 14 Finnish nurse prescribers using semi-structured individual interviews. The data were analyzed with inductive content analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Altogether, this study identified four main categories for experiences on role transition. These main categories are in role transition during nurse prescribing education (1) learning decision-making; (2) meaningfulness of studies during education and at the beginning of nurse prescriber role at work; (3) development of expertise; and (4) significant change in work.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The meaningfulness of the learning and learning decision-making are important in role transition during nurse prescribing education. There is a significant development of expertise and change in work procedures during the transition from a nurse to a nurse prescriber.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and implications for nursing: </strong>Nurse prescriber education has a key role in the transition experience from registered nurse to nurse prescriber. It is also possible that healthcare units do not utilize nurse prescribers effectively.</p>