Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify common themes in the experience of transitioning from staff nurse to CNS.
The investigators used a phenomenological approach to examine their lived experiences of transitioning into CNS practice. The investigators developed a questionnaire about becoming a new CNS, and then individually wrote answers to the questions. The research team collectively identified meaning units, or the smallest element of the text that represented one concept. Data analysis included a combined technique of inductive and deductive thematic content analysis, including constant comparative methodology between the meaning units and the original transcript as it was deconstructed. Themes and subthemes were identified.
The themes that emerged were fitting into a new identity, aspiring for spherical balance, and emerging. The study results suggest that there are shared experiences and feelings amongst new CNSs.
This study provides information that may be helpful to someone new to the CNS role, and to organizations hiring new CNSs. A structured role orientation taking into account the themes and strategies identified in this study will help provide a smoother role transition.
Sigma Membership
Xi Upsilon
Lead Author Affiliation
Carilion Clinic, Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Phenomenology
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Role Transition, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CNS, Work Experiences, Role Change
Recommended Citation
Bath, Jennifer; Lucas, Amy; Ward, Cynthia W.; and Carter, Kimberly Ferren, "Reflections on new clinical nurse specialist transition into practice" (2019). General Submissions: Presenations (Oral and Poster). 202.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/gen_sub_presentations/2017/posters/202
Conference Name
NACNS Annual Conference
Conference Host
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
Conference Location
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Conference Year
2017
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Self-submission
Reflections on new clinical nurse specialist transition into practice
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify common themes in the experience of transitioning from staff nurse to CNS.
The investigators used a phenomenological approach to examine their lived experiences of transitioning into CNS practice. The investigators developed a questionnaire about becoming a new CNS, and then individually wrote answers to the questions. The research team collectively identified meaning units, or the smallest element of the text that represented one concept. Data analysis included a combined technique of inductive and deductive thematic content analysis, including constant comparative methodology between the meaning units and the original transcript as it was deconstructed. Themes and subthemes were identified.
The themes that emerged were fitting into a new identity, aspiring for spherical balance, and emerging. The study results suggest that there are shared experiences and feelings amongst new CNSs.
This study provides information that may be helpful to someone new to the CNS role, and to organizations hiring new CNSs. A structured role orientation taking into account the themes and strategies identified in this study will help provide a smoother role transition.