Orientation made easy. Using preceptors and skills checklists

Historically, it has been difficult to list skills that accurately reflect the responsibilities of the perioperative nurse and provide guidance in his or her training. Too often, learning was haphazard, which created inconsistent results and undue stress for new employees. With a preceptor program, the instructor or nurse manager will find improved staff morale and better retention of new employees. Today, ORs are even busier and have more technical equipment than in the past. Uncoordinated teaching efforts by staff and the good intentions of new employees are not enough. Learners must be given every opportunity to be successful. An orientation program that uses adult learning principles, preceptors, and a competency skills list can help new employees quickly become skillful team members.