Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Kelly Fisher

Abstract

Abstract Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are fast-paced units requiring skilled nurses to care for a unique patient population. Orientation of new nurses to the NICU can be challenging for both the orientee and the preceptor. Offering an evidence-based practice orientation program by an accredited organization that is specific to NICU can be a valuable tool for both the preceptor and the orientee as well as enhance nurse, patient, and organizational outcomes. The project question explored if use of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) 15-module nursing orientation program for RNs in a NICU increased their knowledge and perceived competency in serving as a preceptor for newly hired RNs. This project, conducted as a quality improvement evaluation project, used Patricia Benner’s theory along with Knowles adult learning to guide this project. Ten RNs participated accessed the AWHONN program. Four participants completed 100% of the modules; six participants completed at least 50% of the modules and 2 participants completed less than 20%. All participants reported that the modules that were completed increased their knowledge and perceived competency to serve as a preceptor. Recommendations to the organization included requiring completion of the AWHONN orientation program for all new hires, as well as allocating time during the work schedule for participants to complete the modules. This project demonstrated the importance of RN that specific knowledge and skills are critical to caring for babies in. Making this change within the organization supports positive social change for nurses, families, the organization, and above all the neonates in NICU.

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