Improving Self-efficacy in Flight Nurse Practitioners in Preparation for the Role of the Law Enforcement Tactical Nurse Practitioner.

Abstract

Background: Research indicates that number of nurse practitioners (NPs) is growing. Additional training is necessary to increase self-efficacy in tactical settings. Evidence shows the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) course is the national standard for tactical medical training.

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to demonstrate that the TC3 course increases the tactical self-efficacy of flight nurse practitioners (FNPs) in preparation for the role of the law enforcement tactical nurse practitioner.

Methodology: Selected FNPs completed a TC3 course to increase tactical self-efficacy through a combination of formal (didactic), informal (vicarious), and physiological conditioning (scenario-based) positive verbal or written reinforcement, as theorized by Bandura. A general self-efficacy scale (GSES) was administered, and data were compared and analyzed us- ing two-tailed paired t tests.

Results: Clinical relevance was identified in the fact that tactical self-efficacy increased in all participants, and a statistically significant increase in tactical self-efficacy was seen in 50% of the FNPs.

Conclusions: Increasing the tactical self-efficacy of FNPs helped prepare them for the role of the law enforcement tactical nurse practitioner in support of a metropolitan Special Weapons and Tactics team. This project is not generalizable but brings the current body of knowledge together regarding NPs working in tactical environments. Future studies are still needed.