Keywords

Accreditation, career development, competencies, curriculum, NP postgraduate training, residency/fellowship, taxonomy, transition to practice

 

Authors

  1. Rettie, Candice S. PhD, MA (Retired, Past Executive Director of the National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium)
  2. Huynh, DoQuyen DNP, FNP, ARNP, FAAN (Health Equity Director of Washington State Health Care Authority, Chair of Accreditation Commission of National Nurse Practitioner Residency and Fellowship Training Consortium)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Postgraduate residencies and fellowships have become a growing foundational element in the early career path for new nurse practitioners (NPs) and for NPs changing areas of specialization. The proposed programmatic taxonomy provides a straightforward method to recognize and classify NP postgraduate training programs with differing missions, structures, and outcome objectives. Models of postgraduate training for NPs are identified, defined, and differentiated. Each model can serve as an essential and specific purpose for the sponsoring organization. The programmatic models for NP postgraduate training programs are residency, fellowship, and "additional programs." Differences between residency and fellowship are described. The taxonomy then compares and contrasts the three models on five overarching programmatic characteristics, namely, mission, goals, environment, evaluation, and duration. The potential impact of adopting the NP postgraduate training taxonomy on the NP profession, the public, funding, accreditation, and the early career development of NPs is explored. Recommendations for next steps are suggested.