New Nurse Practitioners’ Perceptions of Preparedness for and Transition Into Practice

• New nurse practitioners (NPs) felt most prepared in health assessment, evidence-based practice, and health teaching.
• New NPs felt least prepared for procedures, billing, and electrocardiogram/X-ray interpretation.
• Registered nurse experience before NP education was not associated with feeling more prepared.
• New NPs desire assistance transitioning into clinical practice.
• New NPs are interested in postgraduate residency programs.

Preparedness for clinical practice is a critical issue for new nurse practitioners (NPs). We assessed new NPs' perceptions of their preparation for and transition into clinical practice. A national sample of 698 licensed NPs who graduated between 2006 and 2011 and were practicing as NPs in the United States completed a survey related to clinical preparation and practice transition. The majority reported feeling generally or somewhat prepared for practice after their NP education. They also expressed interest in receiving assistance as they transition into practice through residencies and mentoring. Specific findings regarding preparedness and transition into practice are described, and recommendations are offered.