(38) Preparing for Clinical Placement and Transition to Practice with Objective Structured Clinical Examinations: A Qualitative Study of Family Nurse Practitioner Students

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore recent Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) graduates’ perceptions of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) simulation on competency development.

This qualitative descriptive study explored perceptions of nine recent FNP graduates from U.S. programs participating in formative OSCEs. A constructed theoretical framework inclusive of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and Miller’s Pyramid of Professional Competence Framework was used with modified Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method to analyze the interview data.

Four themes emerged: becoming competent and “making it stick,” design impacts reactions and learning, “dress rehearsal” for clinical experiences, and establishing routines for practice.

Through OSCEs, learners developed competencies and confidence to support clinical experiences that continued into their early FNP practice. Learner insight demonstrated the importance of evidence-informed simulation pedagogy to prepare them for scope-specific practice. The findings illuminate that there are opportunities for FNP programs to more closely adopt and follow standards of best practice. This study adds to the growing body of knowledge that OSCEs are a tool for demonstrating competencies as required by accrediting bodies (i.e., AACN) and NTF. When done well, OSCEs provided a mechanism for learners to construct cognitive frameworks of clinical reasoning and judgment which are essential for advanced nursing practice. Faculty should advocate for implementing OSCEs across their FNP curricula using needs assessments to address gaps in clinical learning and provide a standardized, safe environment to evaluate trends toward competency mastery. This strategy aligns with competency-based education principle of regular assessment of progress toward mastery.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to view your poster.: This abstract highlights FNP learner perceptions of simulation-based learning calling out the need for faculty to focus on simulation quality using best-practices. Simulation continues to be used more readily to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and demonstrate competency behaviors. Faculty need to understand what components of planning and implementation have the greatest impact on learning from the perspective of learners.