Establishing competency-based measures for Department of Veterans Affairs post-graduate nurse practitioner residencies

Abstract

Abstract Background In the past decade, numerous nurse residency models have been created and implemented nationwide; however, validated specialty-specific competency standards have not been established to evaluate Nurse Practitioner (NP) resident core competencies. Purpose To report the specialty-specific competency assessment tool devised to assess Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) NP residents competencies and discuss the VA NP residency program s effectiveness in expanding new graduate NP knowledge and skills in the veteran-centric care setting. Methods The VA Nursing Academic Partnership NP residency faculty established and piloted a web-based Nurse Practitioner Resident Competency Assessment (NPRCA) instrument for the comprehensive, specialty-specific assessment of individual NP resident s skill competencies across 24 areas. Results The VA specialty-specific competency assessment instrument demonstrates strong internal consistency. The robust VA NP residency program enhances new graduate NP competencies. Conclusions The VA NP residency model can further the goal of standardizing clinical competencies in NP residency programs.