Blueprint for proficient practice: an adult medical-surgical nursing orientation program

Medical-surgical nursing is a specialty that is long overdue for acknowledgment. Our hospital orientation program provides an integration of theory and practical experience using the principles of adult learning. Faculty maintain "facilitator" rather than "instructional" roles and develop supportive and collaborative relationships with the new nurse. Its concise plan and design is intended to have a favorable impact on professional nursing practice and patient care outcomes. In addition, the program has promoted a recruitment advantage in today's arena of educational competitiveness.