Managing RN clinical practice to DNP Practice

[Mayra]

Hello,

How does working as an RN transition into working as an FNP? Is there difficulties in transitioning into a new role? For example, many of us who are registered nurses initially worked as a CNA at the bedside, and I know I had a hard time delegating tasks as a new graduate RN? Are there similarities in transition?

[jimmy]

While I did not have the experience of being a CNA at the bedside, I found some difficulties transitioning from a student to a new graduate registered nurse. It is safe to assume similar differences in transition as you move from one role of practice to a much higher role of responsibility. Some of the difficulties I have noted through various forums are practitioners having difficulty with their shift in the scope of practice, clinical decision-making, and shift in team dynamics. Overall, I believe it is beneficial for those with bedside experience as it will assist in transitioning from patient interactions despite the new role title. I am interested in seeing if others have any insights on the difficulties in transition and how it may be difficult regarding their specialty. Thanks for the post.

[jimmy]

While I did not experience being a CNA at the bedside, I struggled to transition from a student to a new graduate registered nurse as I did not have experience in the patient care realm. The transition from a nursing school student to one on the floor and responsible for patients is a massive paradigm shift. It is safe to assume similar differences in transition as you move from one role of practice to a much higher role of responsibility. Change is difficult, especially when the responsibility is dramatically shifting. One of the suspected dilemmas I will run into is delegating to older, more experienced nurses; as we all know, experienced nurses know the ins and outs of specific diseases and their required treatments. I have noted through various forums that practitioners have difficulty with the shift in pace, the scope of practice, clinical decision-making, and the change in team dynamics. Overall, it benefits those with bedside experience as it will assist in transitioning from patient interactions despite the new role title. I am interested in seeing if others have any insights on the difficulties in transition and how it may not be accessible regarding their specialty. Thanks for the post.

[Stephanie]

A new role transition will always come with challenges as we navigate our new role. I have some experience transitioning from an LVN to an RN, and these challenges stemmed from the differences in scope. It would be the same for an RN transitioning to the role of an FNP. Things that may be challenging may include a shift in responsibility; as RNs, we are accustomed to identifying trends, relaying them, and receiving orders; this will change. As an FNP, you’ll be the one RNs relay information to; initially, it may not be easy to think like a provider. Remember, starting as an RN was difficult and scary, but you surpassed that and are now confident in your practice. The same will occur as you transition from an RN to an FNP; you must give yourself time and grace.

[Arna Alyssa]

Hi Mayra,

Moving from the role of a Registered Nurse (RN) to a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) entails a substantial change in duties and professional jurisdiction. As a Registered Nurse (RN), the primary emphasis is executing medical orders, delivering hands-on patient care, and collaborating with fellow healthcare practitioners. On the other hand, a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) assumes a more independent position, encompassing diagnosing, formulating treatment strategies, prescribing drugs, and overseeing comprehensive patient care. The shift necessitates a change in perspective from carrying out care plans to developing them, which can provide difficulties. Just as with the change from being a CNA to an RN, there can be challenges when transitioning into a position of greater authority, when the ability to delegate and make decisions is crucial to the work.

The change also entails navigating novel challenges, including sophisticated clinical decision-making, handling intricate cases, and establishing patient-provider interactions from a distinct standpoint. Similarly to how newly graduated Registered Nurses (RNs) may face challenges when assigning tasks to others, newly graduated Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) may initially experience difficulties expressing their professional opinions and handling the added level of accountability. Nevertheless, the abilities acquired as a Registered Nurse (RN), such as analytical reasoning, advocating for patients, and effective communication, are highly essential in a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) position and can facilitate the transition. Receiving assistance from experienced colleagues, continuous education, and gaining confidence through hands-on experience can ease this transition, similar to how registered nurses gradually adapt to their responsibilities after becoming certified nursing assistants.

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