Model The Cluster Orientation Model provides
an initial precepted clinical orientation for from three to
ten neophyte nurses at one time. The model utilizes two employees
functioning in different roles to orchestrate the clinical
orientation:
One nurse functions as a preceptor,
and is a non-exempt employee who is identified as a clinical
expert, such as a staff nurse II/III.
The other nurse is an exempt employee
called an Educational Specialist who possesses clinical
and educational expertise, such as a hospital clinical educator.
Educational Specialists can also be outside applicants,
such as nursing school faculty.
Both of these employees function in a
collaborative manner to facilitate an optimal clinical learning
environment for the preceptees. The Cluster Orientation Model
is useful for the first two to four weeks of an orientation
program.
Preceptor's Responsibilities
The preceptor's responsibilities include informing, instructing,
teaching, coaching, observing, evaluating, and supporting preceptees
during their orientation and socialization into their new role.
Existing Kaiser Permanente Preceptor Training provide more detailed
information regarding a preceptor's roles and responsibilities.
Educational Specialist's Responsibilities
The Educational Specialist's responsibilities include supporting
and mentoring the preceptor, assisting with preceptee performance
problems, developing and implementing individualized orientation
plans, and sharing other clinical orientation responsibilities
as need or determined by both parties.
Expected Outcomes
Local educators and unit staff will
be able to orient a larger number of neophyte nurses than
would otherwise be possible without regional support and
additional funding.
The enhanced program will assist neophyte
nurses to make a smoother transition from student to functional
staff nurse while maximizing local resources.
Application One successful example of this
model's application includes the following criteria:
Using the faculty/student model.
Neophyte nurses with at least 32-hour
positions.
Using a "training" floor
that has long term nurses, good nursing role models, and
staff who view MedSurg as a specialty.
Starting clinical orientation of ten
neophyte nurses together on the p.m. shift.
Introduction to the clinical unit,
staff, equipment, policy and procedure manuals, formal and
informal channels of communication, charting, and so on.
Practicing skill acquisition with
equipment, procedures, and so on.
Providing patient care starting with
one patient.
Increasing patient care responsibilities
based on comfort and competency.
Transitioning to the traditional preceptor
model based on individual competency and comfort.
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