Trainee ANPs' experiences of having a clinical practice facilitator introduced into a Hospital at Night team.

Background: The role of the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) within Hospital at Night (H@N) teams has emerged in line with the demands of the service and the needs of patients in the out-of-hours period. The majority of ANPs with H@N teams are recruited as trainees. There is a high volume of trainees needing support against a low number of experienced ANPs. Introduction of the clinical practice facilitator (CPF) role is one way of addressing these issues. Within this evaluative study of one H@N service, the CPFs are experienced ANPs who have received additional training in the delivery of practice assessment and learner feedback.

Aim: To explore the experiences and perceptions of those trainee ANPs who have had or are currently receiving support and supervision from the CPFs in an H@N service in one Scottish NHS health board.

Method: The CPFs undertook a service evaluation following introduction of the role. Purposive sampling was undertaken whereby a descriptive questionnaire was sent to 22 eligible participants.

Results: 16 questionnaires were returned. Qualitative data from the questionnaire generated several themes from the participants' responses: validation of competencies, supporting wellbeing, accessibility of support, designated prescribing practitioner role and support post-qualification.

Conclusions: CPFs are ideally placed to meet the required needs of trainees. Organisational commitment is key to ensuring ANPs are in optimal positions to provide support and supervision for the next generation of trainees.