Enhancing staff development with a structured preceptor program.
The unexpected expansion of a 14-bed medical intensive care unit exposed the need for a structured preceptor/orientation program. Staff feedback and a review of quality indicators further substantiated this finding and revealed a decrease in standards of practice and problems in staff development. A restructured preceptor/orientation program yielded improvements in communication and staff satisfaction. Preceptors and orientees now have a better understanding of their roles and expectations, and quality of care is improving in an environment that promotes personal and professional growth.
Hardy
R
R
Medical Intensive Care Unit, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Smith
R
R
D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000592:standards; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D009820:Ohio; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000078329:Workforce