Orientation: reading the nurses' map: what new Plunket nurses need in an orientation programme

Abstract

In 1994, the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society Inc. (Plunket) implemented an orientation package. The role of the Plunket orientation programme is to prepare new Plunket Nurses for autonomous practice within the complexity of community based nursing. Orientation of and support for newly appointed Plunket Nurses to the nursing specialty of Well Child Health in the community are important issues for Plunket. Orientation within a nursing context is the process by which a nurse is introduced to a new nursing role, new nursing unit or a new health organisation thereby reducing the effect of 'reality shock'. Nurses experiencing job change require new knowledge and upgraded skills. This study seeks to identify what new Plunket Nurses feel are their orientation needs. An evaluation research approach was used. An examination of the literature explored how is orientation conducted and the needs of nurses in orientation. Key aspects in relation to orientation were identified as including socialisation, job change, new graduates, preceptorship, orientation frameworks and retention. A focus group followed by a postal survey were utilised to collect data from new Plunket Nurses nationwide to ascertain what they thought their orientation needs were. Data analysis was completed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results of the study identified key orientation needs for new Plunket Nurses. These were an orientation programme, preceptorship, clinical skills teaching, time in own area and beginning autonomous practice, administration needs and support needs. The participants recommended quality preceptorship and early clinical teaching from the Clinical Educator. There was a general dissatisfaction with orientation as it stands in preparing them for their role as a Plunket Nurse. This study has established what new Plunket Nurses feel their orientation needs are and recommendations to Plunket Management Team have been made based on the results.