title: Suggestions for a competency-based orientation for an orthopaedic unit.
abstract: Effective orientation programs should provide new RN and LPN employees with very specific performance expectations. Competency-based orientation provides such a structure. This approach not only decreases the orientee's anxiety, but it also acts as a basis for establishing competencies specific to that unit. Because the existing staff members are intimately involved in the process, socialization within the unit and cohesiveness of purpose are enhanced. Adult learning theory, educational principles, self-paced learning modules, and the use of preceptors and check-off lists are employed in this Competency-Based Orientation (CBO) program for an adult orthopaedic unit. Samples of various aspects of a CBO are included.
authors.affiliation: Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, St. Vincent Hospital, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bryant
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing / Q000193:education*; D012655:Self-Evaluation Programs