title: Enhancing Transition to Practice Using a Valid and Reliable Evaluation Tool: Progressive Orientation Level Evaluation (POLE) Tool.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Numerous evaluation tools are used to verify nursing competencies, job satisfaction, and leadership qualities separately. One comprehensive tool, the Progressive Orientation Level Evaluation (POLE) tool, measures the increasing complexity of competencies from novice through competent levels. The tool also measures employee satisfaction and engagement to identify potential challenges, stressors, or barriers to transition prior to completion of the post-hiring orientation (on-boarding) process.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective cohort design was used to determine reliability of the POLE tool examining new graduate nurses' (NGNs) learning needs using objectives to individualize the length of training as needed. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine internal consistency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reliability of the instrument was established showing high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .90 to .99).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using a valid and reliable tool provides NGNs and organizations with a way to evaluate the success of stated goals and outcomes from a residency program in a standardized and consistent manner. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(3):123-128.
authors.forename: Gail K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Acuna
authors.forename: Lina H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Yoder
authors.forename: Lizely
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Madrigal-Gonzalez
authors.forename: Patricia S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Yoder-Wise
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States