A nurse practitioner model of care in maintenance dialysis: a personal and professional reflective journey

This study uses content analysis methodology to analyse a professional journal and open-ended interviews with two Australian nurse practitioner candidates (NPCs) over the 12- month period in implementing a dialysis nurse practitioner (NP) model to identify conceptual categories best describing the transitional experience. Four themes with various sub-themes were identified: 'Finding a balance','The public face', `Finding a personal version of the NP role' and 'Nurturing'. These themes were also consistent with the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) experience.However, unlike early international NPs, NPs in the current study were well supported by key stakeholders and encountered fewer political and organisational barriers. The key themes identified in the study were used to make recommendations to assist role transition for future NPs in Australia. Exploring the experiences of pioneer NPs in Australia begins to fill a literature gap and equip nurses with knowledge to assist them in their professional and personal challenge to become an NP.