Find Your Best Fit: An innovative orientation model cultivating connection and commitment in new graduate nurses

New graduate nurse turnover remains a critical workforce challenge, particularly in organizations dependent on early-career clinicians. At University Hospitals (UH) Ahuja Medical Center, first-year RN turnover exceeded 60%, driven by unmet expectations, limited leader connection, and poor cultural alignment.

To evaluate the impact of Find Your Best Fit (FYF), an innovative orientation model designed to improve retention, engagement, and cultural alignment among newly licensed nurses.

FYF employed a 12-week rotational orientation in which new graduate nurses completed 2-week rotations across medical-surgical telemetry, orthopedic/surgery, step-down, and observation units, with supplemental specialty shadowing. Weekly one-on-one meetings with nursing leaders emphasized mentorship, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and career alignment. Participants selected their permanent unit upon program completion based on perceived fit and professional goals.

Within 1 year, first-year RN turnover decreased by 32%, overall nurse turnover declined by 8%, and employee engagement increased by 30%. All 12 inaugural participants remained employed at 1 year. Qualitative feedback reflected strong support, teamwork, and confidence in role selection.

FYF demonstrates that orientation is a strategic investment in people and culture. Human-centered, leader-engaged onboarding can meaningfully improve retention, engagement, and long-term workforce stability through intentional alignment and belonging.