Family Nurse Practitioner Students’ Readiness for Board Certification Utilizing a Full Board Review Course and Simulation

BACKGROUND: The aim of this project was to determine if the implementation of a three-tiered model consisting of a full board review course, round table case analysis, and on call scenarios in the final clinical course of the Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice program improved readiness for board certification testing for graduating students. METHODS: An anonymous pre- and post-survey design was utilized. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to implementation. A full board review course, including a predictor exit exam component, was utilized in this cohort's final clinical course. Additionally, in-class case review and “on-call” scenarios were facilitated by the faculty to simulate critical decision-making scenarios. A 58% survey response rate was elicited. Prior to the full board review, 16% of respondents felt ready to answer general board-style questions as compared to 100% following the review. Thirty three percent of respondents felt ready to prescribe and provide evidence-based care prior to the project, following the project, 100% of respondents felt ready. Open-ended questions revealed positive feedback for the course and simulated scenarios, however students did feel overwhelmed by the amount of work the course entailed over the course the semester. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative and Qualitative results indicated positive outcomes and provide support for adoption of the full board review, case-based simulation, and on-call scenarios for all practicum courses at the university. Adjustment of the time requirement and expectations should be reviewed prior to further implementation. In addition, limitations included a small cohort of students in this study; additional studies should be implemented before generalization can occur.