Supporting Ambulatory Nurses Transitioning From Direct Care to Leadership: A Pilot Project.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Leadership
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Development

Background:

• Frontline nurse leadership is crucial for career advancement and succession planning.
• Limited preparation and COVID-19 disruptions hinder the development of new nurse leaders.
• Barriers to effective onboarding exist in ambulatory care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of an innovative onboarding program for frontline nurse leaders.
• To address challenges in nurse leader preparation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To overcome existing barriers in ambulatory care settings.

Main Methods:

• A multi-component onboarding program was developed and implemented.
• The program integrated a web-based toolkit for accessible resources.
• It included a mentor network and precepted shadow shifts for practical experience.

Main Results:

• The program provided a structured approach to nurse leader development.
• It facilitated adaptation to pandemic-related limitations in professional development.
• The initiative aimed to enhance preparedness in ambulatory care settings.

Conclusions:

• Innovative onboarding programs are essential for effective frontline nurse leader preparation.
• Combining digital resources with mentorship and practical experience supports leadership growth.
• Addressing pandemic-induced challenges requires adaptable and comprehensive leadership development strategies.