NP/PA Edition: Onboarding, Orientation, and the First 24 Months: What Retains High-Performing NPs and PAs

Host: Andy Herber, P.A.-C. Guests: Jennifer Bold, D.N.P., APRN, C.N.P.; Michelle Booth-Kowalczyk, APRN, C.N.P.; John Weimer, PA-C; Alec Williams, APRN, C.N.P., D.N.P.; As healthcare grows increasingly complex, the success of newly hired nurse practitioners and physician assistants depends not only on their preparation, but also on the systems that support their integration, development, and long-term success. While orientation may last weeks or months, the journey to confidence, competence, and professional identity often extends through the first two years of practice. Organizations increasingly recognize that onboarding, mentorship, structured development, and transition-to-practice programs play a critical role in clinician retention, engagement, productivity, and patient care. In this episode, Mayo Clinic NP and PA leaders discuss what distinguishes onboarding from orientation, explore evidence-informed approaches to supporting new clinicians, and share lessons learned from developing successful transition-to-practice programs. Connect with us! Mayo Clinic Talks Podcast Season 6 | Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development