Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 606; Flight Crew Type 8000
Workload; Time Pressure; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
On initial contact with Denver Approach we were told to expect Runway 16L. Within approximately 20 miles of the field we were told to expect the RNP Z approach to 17R. After quickly briefing the approach and programming the FMS; we were then concerned with and discussed a thunderstorm just north of the field and windshear alerts from Approach to other aircraft. While on the downwind I happened to look down at the FMS and realized we just passed the last point on the STAR and there was a discontinuity. About the same time we tried to salvage the approach; ATC told us we weren't on the approach and gave us a vector to fly for the visual. Don't let distractions break habit patterns (close up discontinuity when cleared for RNP approach) and have better monitoring skills.
B737-700 Captain reported a track deviation occurred on arrival into DEN following a late ATC change to the clearance.