Tip #1: Know the numbers You have accepted your first nursing position and will begin your orientation tomorrow. The first few days are very similar regardless of what facility you have chosen. Fire Safety, HIPAA, and an array of educational modules will be presented to you. Your head will be spinning with paperwork and introductions. Once you get through the Human Resources pitch and all of the other regulatory mandates, you will finally...  Read More »

Our new preceptor columnist, Sarah Jane, an ICU nurse from Ohio, gave us an introduction to her experiences last time she wrote. She told us about her quick transition from new nurse to preceptor. Now, in a two-part article, she gives us a closer look at her first experience. Here’s the first installment. The time had come when the leadership on my unit thought I would be able to handle a new grad nurse. I had seen her around the unit...  Read More »

The relationship between a preceptor and a new nurse can make all the difference in the world. A poor introduction to a new facility can contribute to turnover. A great introduction can contribute to retention. And with a worsening nursing shortage across the country, it’s easy to see how delicate and important this relationship is. For some insight into this crucial connection, we’re turning to a new columnist. Some of our readers...  Read More »