Career Profiles

Nursing

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Orientation

Nursing Mentor Program

Nurse Extern Program

Orientation

Nursing orientation is based on a 7 week model which incorporates both classroom didactics and clinical time with a preceptor. Throughout the orientation phase, the patient load is gradually increased to aid in the new employee's transition from student to primary care provider. Weekly collaborative progress report meetings are held with the orientee, preceptor and clinical manager/director to identify learning needs, set goals, and validate competency.

The med-surg area of the hospital follows a staffing matrix plan that supports a 1:5 nurse patient ratio on 7-3 and 3-11 shifts and 1:6 nurse patient ratio on 11-7. All shifts are supported by the use of ancillary staff based on the daily census.

Nursing Mentor Program

The nursing mentor program provides support to newly hired acute care RNs at BAMC as they transition from novice toward expert in the RN role. It also serves those nurses who have been away from professional practice and now whish to return. A mentor will meet with the employee to discuss progress, expectations and performance. The mentor also serves as a neutral resource that can answer any questions, help solve problems and increase the comfort level and confidence in the new RN. The nursing mentor program typically lasts one year, but the mentor meets regularly with the new RN for the length of time needed based on comfort and skill levels.

Mentor Program Objectives

The nursing mentor program will:

  • Provide support for the new acute care RN to increase comfort level and socialization.
  • Help the new RN learn the culture of BAMC including the importance of patient safety and customer satisfaction.
  • Provide resources for learning and professional career development.
  • Provide opportunities for the new RN to apply sound clinical judgment, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
  • Evaluates the new RN's perception of progress in the development of their technical skills and abilities.

Mentor Program Benefits

  • Participants will learn skills to become professional RNs in today's workforce.
  • Newly hired RNs will feel more comfortable in their role.
  • New RNs will get positive feedback on their development.
  • The program provides an opportunity for new RNs to ask questions and solve problems in a neutral environment.

Mentor Program Components

  • Scheduled periodic meetings with the mentor will last for the first year of employment.
  • Director support and feedback will be provided throughout the process.
  • The mentor program provides a direct link to BAMC's 12-month critical thinking course.

Mentor Program Comments

Nurses who have been through the mentor program had this to say:

  • "I would recommend anyone who is a new grad to come to BAMC. The whole program puts you at ease. They take the time to make sure you are comfortable. There is nothing more that I could ask for that I haven't received."
  • "The meetings are like mini therapy sessions! It was a confidential resource that helped me sort through my questions and get positive feedback on the progression of my critical thinking skills. By using all the tools of the Nursing Mentor Program, it made my performance better."

Nurse Extern Program

The nurse extern program is a 10-12 week clinical summer experience for nursing students. The program provides an in-depth clinical educational opportunity in various departments throughout the hospital. The clinical areas with an externship available are Medical/Surgical–Oncology, Medical/Surgical–Pediatrics, Surgical Services, Emergency Services, OB/Gyn, ICU/IMCU, and Dialysis.

Extern Program Objectives

The nurse extern program will:

  • Provide an opportunity for the student to relate the nursing process to clinical practice.
  • Provide the student with an opportunity to gain experiences in performance of clinical nursing skills.
  • Reduce "reality shock" when making the transition to staff nurse.
  • Assist the students with setting realistic priorities.
  • Provide the student with opportunities that stimulate critical thinking in an acute care setting.
  • Provide opportunities to collaborate with other health care professionals.
  • Allow the student to visit other specialty areas.

Extern Program Prerequisites

To be eligible for the extern program a nursing student must:

  • Attain senior status in the fall of 2009 and anticipate graduation within one year.
  • Have completed at least one acute care clinical.
  • Be certified in Health Care Provider CPR through August 2009.
  • Have completed a pharmacology course.
  • Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Extern Program Application Information

BAMC will be accepting applications for the nursing mentor program in November 2008 for the summer of 2009. To apply for the extern program, candidates must complete a two-part process, which consists of submitting an application online and turning in the additional following items.

  • A copy of your current CPR card.
  • An official copy of your college transcripts.
  • A one-page letter describing the goals you would like to achieve with this extern experience.
  • Two faculty reference forms that include statements concerning your communication skills, clinical judgment, and interpersonal skills.
  • One employer reference.

Extern Program Comments

Previous extern students provided the following feedback.

  • "The extern program taught me how to prioritize. Now I'm confident in my time management skills."
  • "The personal instruction I received was beneficial. It was great to learn from the nurses; they're the experts!"
  • "The opportunity to work in other departments was great. When I completed the program, I felt I had learned about other specialty areas in depth."
  • "I could see my nursing skills progress throughout the summer. I'm excited to finish my schooling and begin my career."

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