The influence of practice experiences on feelings of role proficiency in emergency nurse practitioners: A phenomenological study

Monk, Daniel; Porteous, Debbie; Machin, Alison

doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101342

Authors

Daniel Monk

Debbie Porteous

Prof Alison Machin A.Machin@napier.ac.uk
Dean of the School of Health and Social Care

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction
This research explores how emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) become role proficient given experience variation and lack of role standardisation.

Aim
To understand how ENPs experiences in practice influence their feelings of role proficiency.

Methods
A hermeneutic phenomenological study was undertaken utilizing an interpretive standpoint. A two-phase approach was adopted with ten participants using a digital diary informing a semi-structured interview. A three-stage data analysis approach was applied.

Findings
Six themes emerged: the meaning of role proficiency, relationships, confidence, learning and knowledge, exposure and experience, and care. Models of proficiency and its development are presented.

Discussion
Proficiency is defined where confidence in the components that proficiency consists of and their application to each clinical presentation is required. Proficiency is a continuum supported by regulatory mode theory. Inconsistency of role understanding gives rise to three ENP groups, resistors, maintainers, and innovators.

Conclusion
Role clarity is required to establish a consistent culture within organisations founded on the voice of the ENP as captured in this research. This model of proficiency be incorporated in ENP role development for current and future ENPs.

Citation

Monk, D., Porteous, D., & Machin, A. (2023). The influence of practice experiences on feelings of role proficiency in emergency nurse practitioners: A phenomenological study. International Emergency Nursing, 70, Article 101342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101342

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Jun 30, 2023
Online Publication Date	Sep 12, 2023
Publication Date	2023-09
Deposit Date	Sep 18, 2023
Publicly Available Date	Sep 18, 2023
Journal	International Emergency Nursing
Print ISSN	1755-599X
Publisher	Elsevier
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	70
Article Number	101342
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101342
Keywords	Emergency nurses, Practitioner, Phenomenology, Proficiency, Capability, Advanced clinical practice