Intents and Perceptions of Graduating BSN Students Toward the Nurse Practitioner Role

This descriptive study was an investigation of the intentions of 65 senior baccalaureate nursing students to become nurse practitioners (NPs). Students were given a Nurse Practitioner Inventory, which collected information on nine categories related to factors influencing specialization. The data show that a majority of nursing students do not have specific plans to become NPs, although most intend to further their education. The results suggest that this is in part related to a lack of exposure to and familiarity with the NP role.