Preceptors impact on the outcome of an orientation training program for novice nurses in critical care

ABSTRACT

The sample consisted of 97 and 140 novice nurses graduated in the years 1996 and 1997, respectively. The first phase was the development and implementation of an orientation program for novice nurses in critical care units, regarding theoretical and clinical content. Whereas, the second phase was the hiring and training of preceptors in order to supervise, train novice nurses in the critical care units. Evaluation of the theoretical components of the orientation program was carried out on all novice nurses in the study. Evaluation of the clinical performance was done on 20 novice nurses in each year of the study. Findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in novice nurses' knowledge and performance gain after implementing the program were t value [= 9.02 and 5.83, respectively]. However, the preceptors value was markedly felt in the 1997 novice nurses' evaluation in a higher gain in critical care nursing performance