Employing new grads: a plan for success

• Published in: Nursing economic Vol. 17; no. 2; p. 91
• Main Authors: Beeman, K L, Jernigan, A C, Hensley, P D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-03-1999
• Subjects: Clinical Competence - standards; Curriculum; Education, Nursing, Continuing - organization & administration; Feedback; Goals; Humans; Inservice Training - organization & administration; Job Description; Mentors - psychology; Nursing Staff, Hospital - education; Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology; Nursing, Supervisory - organization & administration; Personnel Loyalty; Program Evaluation; Socialization; Staff Development - organization & administration
• ISSN: 0746-1739

The authors describe an elegant goal-driven program designed to prepare new nursing graduates to function optimally on a hospital unit by focusing first on their security and affiliative needs [belonging], and subsequently on their professional skill and knowledge acquisition. This developmental program has both a clear timeline and structure as well as well defined role expectations for the experienced RN guide/mentor, the orientee, and the unit's nurse manager and staff. The guide/mentors are carefully selected and prepared for their new roles as well. Shared goal-setting sessions are held weekly, along with three major evaluations during the first 90 days, with less frequent updates throughout the following year. This frequent feedback, reinforcement, and fine-tuning of goals allows the new graduate to gradually take on the full work load by the end of week 12 without feeling as overwhelmed or inadequate as those who are less carefully developed.