An Orientation Experience: Introducing Newly Licensed Nurses to Ambulatory Care Settings

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Lillian Guerrier (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: This project aimed to evaluate the impact of an orientation program on retention and\r\nclinical confidence of newly licensed nurses hired in ambulatory care settings. Twenty-three\r\npercent of newly licensed nurses leave their first employment within one year, based on inpatient\r\nhiring data, causing a financial strain on health care organizations and a profound effect on\r\nquality outcomes and patient experiences. Newly licensed nurses are not typically hired into\r\nambulatory care settings and orientation programs are not geared towards this population\;\r\ntherefore, the negative impact on retention, finances, patient experiences, and quality outcomes\r\ncan be substantially greater than in other practice areas. This quality improvement project\r\nfocused on implementing an ambulatory-specific orientation program using a prospective\r\nlongitudinal design across multiple sites within one healthcare entity. A 12-week orientation\r\nprogram was implemented and provided 17 newly licensed nurses the opportunity to rotate every\r\ntwo weeks through 22 clinic settings\; part of a larger health system. An evidence-based survey\r\ntracked clinical confidence over 12 months. Engagement sessions were incorporated into the\r\nproject to provide additional support to the newly licensed nurses. At the end of one year, 12\r\nnewly licensed nurses remained employed in the ambulatory care setting, and overall turnover\r\nwas one percent less in this setting for newly licensed nurses (18%) when compared to turnover\r\nfor newly licensed nurses in the health system (19%). The survey data recorded a steady\r\nincrease in clinical confidence during the newly licensed nurses’ first year of practice. Designing\r\na 12-week orientation experience in an ambulatory care setting can improve newly licensed\r\nnurse retention and clinical confidence. Incorporating engagement sessions provides insight into\r\nwhat is essential to newly licensed nurses.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2023

Subjects

ambulatory care setting(s), orientation program(s), newly licensed nurse(s), turnover, retention, clinical confidence, engagement sessions

Email this document to