In Focus: Preceptor-based orientation programs for new nurse graduates

Preceptor-based orientation programs for new nurse graduates

Pauline Robitaille, MSN, RN, CNOR

When a new graduate nurse joins a health care organization, an eective orientation process is crucial to help ensure an

individuals competency to perform his or her role and to familiarize the orientee with an organizations culture, policies and procedures, and unit-level protocols. A successful orientation program is also important for nurse retention, which can aect nurses job satisfaction and lead to cost savings for organizations.1

Preceptors play a vital role in supporting new graduate nurses as they transition from the academic setting to professional practice. Because preceptors help orientees acquire basic nursing and unit-specic skills and become familiar with patients, protocols, providers, and the facilitys culture,2 preceptors assume a great responsibility as they model professional behaviors and facilitate nurses adjustments to their role.3 Thus, the selection of the preceptor and the relationship between the preceptor and the orientee are vital elements of an orientation program.

The preceptor/orientee partnership

The quality of the knowledge of the preceptor and other educators involved in the orientation process will ultimately determine the overall quality and eectiveness of the orientation. When assigning preceptors, one should lookfor someone who has a passion for their work and who is current on recommended practices related to their specialty area. Although it isnot necessary for a preceptor to have previous experience as a preceptor or an educator, some health care facilities oer educational programs to prepare nurses for the preceptor role that can add measurable value to the partnership formed between a preceptor and an orientee. It is also important that the preceptor understand adult learning principles to help maximize the delivery

and eectiveness of the information they share with the person they are orienting.

Preceptors should possess strong communication and leadership...