Orientation of Nurses Transitioning into Hospital Specialty Units

Orientation of Nurses Transitioning into Hospital Specialty Units by Mary Laly Chacko MS, Texas Woman’s University, 1993 BSN, College of Nursing, India, 1980 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University May 2016 Abstract Competency-based nurse orientation programs focus on the new nursing graduate and experienced nurse employees’ ability to perform skills necessary in a new work setting. The purpose of this project was to develop a learner-focused and competency-based orientation program for new nursing employees at a large urban hospital to enhance patient safety and nurse retention. The Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practiceCompetency-based nurse orientation programs focus on the new nursing graduate and experienced nurse employees’ ability to perform skills necessary in a new work setting. The purpose of this project was to develop a learner-focused and competency-based orientation program for new nursing employees at a large urban hospital to enhance patient safety and nurse retention. The Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice model and guideline were used in the selection of articles with higher levels of evidence and research quality for the critical appraisal of literature in support of the program development. The best practices for nursing orientation content and delivery for positive effects on hospital finances, nurse turnover rates, and patient safety were the focus of the literature review. Benner’s model of 5 levels of skill development was the theoretical framework for advancing skills of nurses who enter the orientation program with different expertise and skill sets. Nurse orientation materials and processes, comprising a collaborative team approach to orientation and a guideline for preceptor selection, were developed as the essential components for successful orientation at the project hospital. A nursing orientation based on the evidence may provide an infrastructure and operational process for the organization in developing the competencies of all levels of nurses, including experienced nurses transitioning to new units or duties. The social change resulting from the project will be a supportive and seamless transition of nurses into the new practice role and work environment. When implemented, this project is anticipated to increase nurse satisfaction, improve quality of health care delivery, decrease anxiety related to the new nursing role, and improve collegiality among all levels of nurses. Orientation of Nurses Transitioning into Hospital Specialty Units by Mary Laly Chacko MS, Texas Woman’s University, 1993 BSN, College of Nursing, India, 1980 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University May 2016 Dedication First, I thank almighty God for providing me with the physical and mental strength to accomplish another milestone of my profession. I thank and dedicate my work to my husband, John; son, Jay; and daughter, Jennifer, who provided support and encouragement during the challenging endeavor and made my dream come true. Acknowledgments I thank my family in encouraging and supporting me throughout the program. In addition, my sincere thanks to the faculty of Walden University who provided their expert guidance and support, especially Dr. Sue Bell for her expertise, patience, and perseverance to chair the project and help me enhance my knowledge of evidence-based practice and advance my academic career.