Comparing Orientation Programs for Newly Licensed Registered Nurses in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit.
Journal for Nurses in Professional Development
|September 19, 2025
Summary
A new tiered orientation for registered nurses (NLRN) was less effective than standard orientation. Prior nurse extern (NE) experience significantly improved nurse transition and retention.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Workforce Development
- Professional Nursing Transition
Background:
- Newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) require effective onboarding to ensure role transition and retention.
- Existing orientation programs may not adequately address the needs of nurses without prior extern experience.
- Nurse extern (NE) experience is recognized as a valuable precursor to the registered nurse (RN) role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a newly developed tiered orientation program versus a standard orientation for newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs).
- To evaluate the impact of prior nurse extern (NE) experience on orientation completion and nurse retention.
- To identify specific support needs for NLRNs during their initial transition into practice.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed to assess two distinct orientation pathways.
- Newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) were allocated to either a tiered orientation or a standard orientation group.
- Data on orientation completion rates and nurse retention were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) who underwent the standard orientation demonstrated higher completion and retention rates compared to those in the tiered orientation.
- The tiered orientation, while less successful in outcomes, provided valuable data on the support requirements for NLRNs.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between prior nurse extern (NE) experience and successful transition to the NLRN role.
Conclusions:
- Standard orientation appears more effective for newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs) than the implemented tiered approach.
- Prior nurse extern (NE) experience is a critical factor in facilitating a smoother and more successful transition into the registered nurse role.
- Further refinement of orientation strategies is necessary to optimize support and retention for all newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs).
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