Developing a Nursing Precptor Program

[jessjenkins11885, BSN]

I am part of a Unit Based Council and we have been tasked with developing a Nursing Preceptor Program for new grads and new hires. The unit that I work on is a critical care unit that consist of 8 Med-surg ICU beds, 8 Neuro-ICU beds and 14 step-down beds. The hospital is a very busy hospital in the downtown area of a big city. The preceptor program that my unit currently has in place does not set clear guidelines for the preceptor or goals for the new hire. We are looking at developing a program that is structured so that everyone who goes through it will come out prepared and set up for success. I am looking to see what types of tools and programs other nurses have used. Thank you for any assistance.

[CallmedoBBin]

Hi Jess,

I have come across a website www.nu2icu.com that focuses just on entry level ICU ed?? Don't know if this may help but good luck

doBBin

[HopefulICURN]

My first ICU job used the AACN's ECCO program. They did this for new grads and new to ICU. No follow up with it, just self taught learning with an education nurse emailing you once a month to tell you what percentage of ECCO you had left and how many days you had left to complete it. When I switched to my current ICU, new grads and new hires take the PBDS assessment. You and your preceptor get a print out over your strengths and weaknesses. Depending on how you did on the PBDS, you might have to retake it at the end of orientation to track improvements. During orientation, you are expected to tell your preceptor the main problem that needs addressed that day with each patient and what you plan to do about it. They also do ECCO, but each "chapter" is an 8 hour class with nurse educators on top of your self learning.