Summary of North Dakota Transition to Practice Programs
Altru Health System Nurse Mentor Program
The new employee has a mentor that they work with throughout their orientation. This creates a sense of stability and improves confidence, while developing a long-lasting relationship. They also work together to set goals for the new employee, and review these goals on a regular basis. Support sessions are held quarterly where the mentors and mentees can network and share their experiences amongst peers and receive feedback.
Fargo VA Orientation Program
Every facility in our health care system provides a structured nursing orientation program for new graduates. The program includes the assignment of preceptors and mentors who provide experiences tailored to each individual new hire's requirements. In addition to orientation, VA provides a work environment that supports the transition from new graduate to experienced nurse, including abundant opportunities for continuing education programs, as well as clinical learning experiences.
Sanford Health- Fargo Nursing Residency Program
The Nurse Residency Program supports and enhances new graduate Registered Nurses’ development during the first year of practice. Through six monthly sessions, the program is designed to promote an effective transition into professional practice as you begin your path to achieving greatness. Each session focuses on various clinical and professional growth topics utilizing health care experts to guide and advance your clinical judgment and ability to problem solve as well as expand your outlook on your professional career. Past Nurse Residents have shared that the program also offers a great opportunity to meet other new graduate nurses and share experiences and concerns.
Preliminary Results from AICUP/ND Center for Nursing 2012 Health Care Facility Survey
(N=24)
- 33% have a nurse residency or other orientation program for new nurses
- 33% indicated that they would want to change a component of their orientation program. Changes included:
- focus on nursing process and decision making including critical thinking and problem solving
- to develop a RN Residency Program
- Include more leadership/supervision of staff role
- to provide for more one to one off the floor for at least part of the orientation
- to make it a year-long residency program.
- More detailed program with better mentoring
- Improve quality without cost
- 75% indicated that they were somewhat or highly interested in learning more about a Residency/Apprenticeship program for Americian Indian nurses graduating from the Next Steps program