A Warm Welcome: Reimagining Clinical Experience Orientation for Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Environment
• Student Belonging

Background:

• A positive clinical environment is crucial for nursing students' development.
• First-day stress and lack of belonging can hinder student learning and retention.
• Intentional orientation programs are needed to support nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot an intentional orientation program for nursing students.
• To reduce first-day stress and enhance students' sense of belonging.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the 3T approach in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A 3T approach (tour, talk, touch) was implemented in eight inpatient units.
• The program included unit tours, patient communication, and hands-on care.
• Feedback was collected from 25 participating nursing students.

Main Results:

• Students reported increased confidence and a greater sense of belonging post-intervention.
• Key benefits included informative tours, supportive preceptors, and practical communication skills.
• The orientation program positively impacted student self-efficacy and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The 3T orientation program is an effective strategy for nursing students.
• This initiative successfully fosters student belonging, self-efficacy, and collaboration.
• Intentional orientation enhances the clinical learning environment for nursing students.