Date of Award

8-24-2017

Degree Name

Nursing (D.N.P.)

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Cynthia Beel-Bates

Second Advisor

Dianne Conrad

Third Advisor

Rhonda Dornbos

Abstract

High nursing turnover in long-term care (LTC) facilities is a significant problem that results in additional expenses, lower quality of patient care, increased adverse patient events, and decreased patient and nursing satisfaction. A structured orientation and supportive preceptors are protective factors in retaining nurses as well as increasing nursing job satisfaction and improving patient outcomes. The goal of this pilot project was to implement an evidence-based preceptor program for staff registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in an LTC facility to develop preceptors’ skills and preceptees’ orientation satisfaction. The preceptor development project facilitated by the project coordinator (PC), consisted of two, 3-hour workshops, four, 12-hour shifts precepting new staff, and a one hour weekly meeting for 4 weeks during the preceptee’s orientation.

Two CNA preceptors had the opportunity to precept a CNA preceptee. The preceptors, preceptee, and PC met weekly to develop an action plan to overcome barriers and fulfill the competency criteria for the preceptee’s CNA job description. Upon workshop completion, preceptors took a competency test and rated its effectiveness. The project was considered effective based on preceptors’ pass rate of 80% or greater on the competency test and a rating of 80% or higher on the effectiveness in meeting the goals and objectives of the workshops. The annual estimated total return on investment (ROI) for 3 nursing staff to be educated and function as preceptors with 30 new nursing staff equals approximately $74,150.96.

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