The new graduate program is a comprehensive program, which is divided into three areas of focused support.
A six-week long program familiarizing the new graduates with the hospital and their department. The program involves:
- Orienting to the unit with your preceptor
- Visiting various departments throughout the hospital for an interdisciplinary experience
- Classroom presentations related to patient populations
- Skill practice sessions in the learning lab to develop proficiency
- One-to-one clinical preceptorship to apply skills and develop nursing competencies as they relate to their specific specialties
- Upon completion of the formal clinical preceptorship, orientation continues for three months under the guidance of the preceptor and mentor
Unit-based Preceptor Program
When orienting to the department, a preceptor provides critical information and review of skills to the new nurse. This focused, three month long program includes:
- A one-to-one partnership with an experienced nurse
- Establishing partnership goals
- Reviewing policies and procedures for providing patient care
- Periodic review of progress through the orientation period
Mentoring Program
The mentor will work along side of the new staff member as needed to develop cognitive, affective and psycho-motor skills. In conjunction with the newly licensed nurse, the preceptor and the manager, learning activities will be identified to assist the new staff member develop proficiency and self-confidence in the role of registered nurse.
