Need to interview an APRN

I agree that the reason for assignments of this nature are to encourage students to network. The Arkansas Nurse Practitioners Association is very new (just began accepting memberships this month). I am a student member and plan to be involved in any way that I can. Although, the first part of this assignment is due fairly quickly and I am afraid I will not get a volunteer locally quick enough. Unfortunately for me, I work in a very small surgery office and do not have any professional contacts with APRN's currently. There are not many APRN's associated with this hospital even.

Part of the assignment is to interview an APRN about his/her transition from RN to APRN and what stage of role development he/she feel they are in. (orientation, frustration,implementation, Integration, frozen, reorganization, and complacent. These are very similar to Patricia Benner's novice to expert phases). I will attach the descriptions of these phases in a separate post.

Some of the additional questions that I would like to ask are:

1. How long were you an RN before becoming an APRN? How do you feel this helped/hindered you early in practice?

2. What was the most difficult and easiest aspect of this role transition?

3. What type of nursing were you in prior to becoming an APRN? How did this prepare you to transition to an APRN role?

4. What were some of the shocking/surprising misconceptions you held about APRN practice?

Orientation phase is characterized by enthusiasm, optimism, and eager to meet expectations. In this phase the APRN is establishing a power base and developing relationships with peers. Also, identifying and relying on a professional mentor is important.

Frustration phase is when expectations of practice become more realistic and discouragement is common due to previously unrealistic expectations. The APRN may feel inadequate or overwhelmed.

Implementation is characterized by a return of enthusiasm and optimism. A complete transition to advanced practice is noticed. The APRN at this phase begins building coalitions and networks.

Integration phase is characterized by self confidence, satisfaction with position, and continued evolution of advanced practice. At this phase APRN's begin to share their expertise and experience with others.

Frozen phase is characterized by continued self confidence and the APRN begins to consider themselves as an intermediate or advanced level APRN. During this phase the APRN feels as though their role is being restricted by a supervisor or organization.

Reorganization phase is characterized by major changes or pressure to change.

Complacent phase is characterized by varying satisfaction with the role. The APRN feels comfortable and settled and is providing a questionable impact on organization.

Descriptions were established from Table 4-4 in:

Hamric, A. B., Hanson, C. M., Tracy, M. F., & O'Grady, E. T. (2014). Advanced practice nursing: An integrative approach (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier/Saunders.