Nursing Services Transition Program
WVU Hospitals (WVUH) recognizes the stressors that can come with a new job. Whether it’s the beginning of a new career for the graduate or a new job for an experienced nurse, WVUH is committed to facilitating a smooth transition. To that end, WVUH has developed a Transition Program that provides a supportive environment and promotes self-direction, professional growth and development.
The Nursing Services Transition Program consists of the following:
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Support of the Transition Coordinator
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Nurse Residency Program Pilot
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Individualized Orientation with 1:1 Mentorship
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United Based Orientation / Education Pathway
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Active Unit Leadership Involvement
Transition Coordinator
The Transition Coordinator is an advocate for all new nurses, offering support and resources. Providing information, fielding questions or addressing concerns, the Transition Coordinator is available to help. The Transition Coordinator checks in regularly with each new nurse, always offering a friendly connection and if needed, a confidential conversation. The Transition Coordinator additionally facilitates the Nurse Residency Program Pilot for newly graduated RNs.
Nurse Residency Program Pilot
WVUH is continually looking for ways to improve transition to practice for newly graduated nurses. One means to that end is the creation of a Nurse Residency Pilot Program for 2011/2012. Beyond the support of the Transition Coordinator, the pilot program provides educational and interactive, professional development opportunities during the first year of practice.
One-on-One Mentoring
All new nurses are assigned a mentor who works with them one-on-one, guiding them to clinical independence over the course of their orientation. Together, the new nurse and mentor identify individual learning needs and incorporate them into the nurse’s orientation.
Unit Based Orientation / Education Pathway
Unit Based Orientation consists of unit specific workshops and computer based learning modules that foster professional development of the nurse in his/her specialty area. The Education Pathway involves setting weekly goals, completing a unit based skills checklist and participating in performance evaluations. The goal of the Education Pathway is to provide structured guidelines that foster a consistent orientation experience for all nurses.
Unit Leadership
Unit Mangers and Clinical Preceptor give continuous support throughout the orientation process The Clinical Preceptor assesses the nurse’s learning needs and develops an individualized orientation plan, assisting the new nurse and their mentor along the pathway toward a successful orientation outcome. Unit Managers coordinate meetings with the new graduate, clinical preceptor and mentor to discuss achievements, expectations, and goals.