Analysing student achievement of advanced pharmacy practice experience learning outcomes

Objectives: To assess the learning outcome achievement of the required Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) for the purposes of accreditation, quality improvement, and practice readiness. Methods: At the end of each APPE rotation, students were evaluated on 11 professionalism criteria and 25 skills criteria via a rubric. For the four required rotations (ambulatory patient care, community pharmacy, inpatient general medicine patient care and hospital/health system pharmacy), professionalism and skills outcomes data for the class of 2020 were analysed. Results: A total of 6,293/6,303 (99.84%) of the professionalism ratings met expectations (received a score > 2). The median professionalism rating was 3. A total of 14,286/14,325 (99.7%) of the skills ratings met expectations (received a score > 3). The median skills rating was 4. Conclusion: Calculating and analysing APPE student achievement of learning outcomes supports accreditation standards, can be used for quality improvement and measures practice readiness.

Are They Ready? Trials, Tribulations, and Professional Skills Vital for New Veterinary Graduate Success

Stress and burnout levels are high among young veterinarians with the transition to practice being particularly challenging. This qualitative study aimed to capture and document the new graduate veterinary experience within the United States and which professional skills are most important for success during the transition to practice. The researchers sought to better understand this challenging transition period and provide insight for veterinary educators who are tasked with preparing new veterinary graduates for day 1 practice readiness. To gain a deeper understanding of the new graduate experience, a focus group was conducted with six veterinarians who recently graduated from four different U.S. veterinary colleges. Several themes arose regarding their experiences in the transition to practice including setbacks and adaptations, self-sufficiency and self-doubt, changing clientele and ethical dilemmas, leadership and conflict, and good vs. bad mentorship. Self-care, conflict management, and client communication were perceived as the most important professional skills for success in the transition to practice. New graduate veterinarians reported that they were least prepared for working with clients with financial constraints and managing conflict. Drawing from this qualitative data, the researchers propose several topics that could be incorporated into professional skills curriculum to further enhance day 1 preparedness of new veterinary graduates to promote well-being in the transition to practice.

Targeting the nurse practitioner workforce: Influences and barriers in choosing rural practice

Background and objective: Recruitment and retention of primary care providers are projected to worsen in rural regions. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are a crucial solution to the shortage of primary care providers in rural America. Little research exists regarding factors influencing new NPs’ decisions to practice in rural settings, as well as practice readiness. The purpose of this study is to explore factors influencing new NPs’ decision to practice in rural settings.Methods: A survey of family nurse practitioner (FNP) graduates in a rural state was conducted. The survey measured rural background, current practice environment, the impact of rural clinical experiences on readiness to practice, and perceptions of rural NP practice.Results: The data collected over five years (N = 42) indicated several factors that influenced an NP’s decision to choose a position in a rural or underserved setting. A wide scope of practice, rural roots, a desirable job offer, and strong relationships were influential when choosing rural practice.Conclusions: Most respondents (69%) were not practicing in rural or underserved areas. Among those who were, the ability to practice to the full scope of education and autonomy were the most important factors. However, respondents were also apprehensive and intimidated with the broad skill set required in rural care. Implications: This study provides insight into factors and barriers for new graduate NPs in choosing a rural practice setting as well as possible solutions to the rural workforce shortage.