Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop & implement a post-graduate NP fellowship program in Integrative Care.
Background: A training gap exists for the new NP transitioning to clinical practice. Taylor, Broyhill, & Burris (2017) found that it took new providers on average 12-18 months for the NP to achieve 80% productivity. A fellowship provides a protected year of learning needed for transitioning a new NP to practice. Lastly, a fellowship allows the new NP a yearlong training experience that allows the NP to be fully productive upon completion of the fellowship.
Sample/Setting: This project aimed to develop a post-graduate NP fellowship program and structure of a program to be implemented in an integrative medicine setting.
Methods: We worked to develop a post-graduate program that focused on mentored clinics, portfolio development, case studies, attendance of professional meetings, monthly didactic (adapted from American College of Lifestyle Medicine), & evaluation of both the fellow, program, and mentors.
Conclusion: Post-graduate NP fellowships have been found to decrease turnover rates, improve quality, safety, and access to care, and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, they help to bridge the knowledge and clinical gap from academia to practice increasing satisfaction among providers, and decreasing the cost of onboarding a new provider.