The integration of new nurse practitioners into care of older adults: A survey study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To assess Norwegian advanced geriatric nurses' (AGNs) use of their knowledge and skills, and factors that may influence AGNs' opportunities to use their knowledge and skills to reach their full potential.

Background: Despite the need for nurses with advanced knowledge and skill in the care of older adults, the introduction of new advanced nursing roles has been challenging. Countries in the process of establishing advanced roles need to monitor and identify possible implementation issues.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive survey.

Methods: We invited the total population of AGNs in Norway (n = 26) and some of their colleagues (n = 465) to answer an online questionnaire. Twenty-three (88.5%) of the AGNs and 195 (42.0%) of the invited colleagues completed and submitted the questionnaires. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics. STROBE guidelines were used in reporting this study.

Results: Of the AGNs, 16 (69.6%) used their knowledge and skills to their full potential when providing direct care. However, a minority used their knowledge and skills to their full potential when proving indirect care (n = 11, 47.8%), teaching/supervision (n = 11, 47.8%) and coordination (n = 5, 21.8%). A total of 47 (24.1%) colleagues experienced the AGNs' scope of practice as completely clear, and 52 (26.6%) collaborated with the AGNs several times a week. Of the colleagues, 131 (67.2%) considered the AGNs' role and scope of practice contributed positively to a high degree to health service for older adults.

Conclusion: The results indicate the need for greater focus on organisational adjustment for the AGNs to utilise their knowledge and skills to their full potential.

Relevance to clinical practice: There is a need for greater focus on organisational adjustment to integrate AGNs at the workplace, as complete integration may improve the AGNs' use of their knowledge and skills.

Keywords: advanced nursing; integration; knowledge; nurse practitioners; nurse roles; survey.