The service-learning experience of a lifetime
For me, the most frustrating thing about life as a new graduate nurse practitioner was my first year of practice. My initial months working post-graduation were fraught with stress and worry. I felt that I was performing poorly at work due to my inexperience. While my nurse practitioner program prepared me for practice, real-life clinical scenarios proved much more challenging than anticipated.
As a new grad NP, I always lamented that, similar to medical education, the nurse practitioner track should include a residency to facilitate the transition from education to practice. Sure, there are a few NP residencies across the country, but not nearly enough to accommodate all interested students. Everyday, ThriveAP readers tell me they experience similar frustrations.
Here at ThriveAP headquarters, we’ve been working hard on coming up with a solution to the unpreparedness many nurse practitioners feel as they graduate from their NP programs. To kick off 2016, I’m excited to announce that we’ve come up with a solution – ThriveAP+. What is ThriveAP+, you ask?
MISSION
The mission of ThriveAP+ is to help NPs and PAs engage their professional passions, growing in confidence and competence, while positively influencing the health and wellness of medically underserved communities. You can think of ThriveAP+ similar to a residency for advanced practice providers, but with a focus on helping underserved populations.
PROGRAM GOALS
Goals of the ThriveAP+ experience include:
- Increasing access to high quality medical care for underserved populations by placing NPs in facilities serving such communities
- Mastery of clinical skills in a supportive environment conducive to learning
- Developing increased confidence and competence in the clinical setting with the ultimate goal of improved career satisfaction and performance
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
ThriveAP+begins with a multi-day kickoff in Nashville, Tennessee. At the kickoff, you will orient to the program, meet fellow participants, and begin didactic and clinical learning.
Similar to the way Teach for America operates for educators, nurse practitioners participating in ThriveAP+ will be placed in a site serving a medically underserved community. Sites are diverse and can include clinic and hospital settings in rural, suburban, or urban environments.
Throughout the program, continued learning will occur through weekly webinar meetings. Meetings will feature relevant clinical topics presented by field experts. Additional journaling, discussion and/or presentations may be required of participants.
THE EXPERIENCE
Life as a ThriveAP+member is intense and rewarding! Participants will work full-time in the clinical setting gradually increasing autonomy throughout the program. The exact schedule of the work week depends on the facility where you are placed but will not exceed an average of 40 hours/week. On-call hours may be required by some facilities. Weekly participant meetings may take place in addition to or as part of the regular work week, depending on your site.
The benefit of your hard work? A smoother transition from your NP education to practice facilitated by feedback and coaching in a supportive environment. Continue learning while providing care to individuals who would otherwise lack access to quality healthcare services.
Are you interested in learning more about ThriveAP+? Request more information here or email info@thriveap.com. The application deadline for the Fall 2016-2017 class is February 29, 2016.
