In your experience, what is the most effective way to train new nurses?

"After the new hire or nurse completes the hospital orientation, I review their learning and comprehension to ensure it's solid. In some ways, that allows me to start a conversation with them and see how they learn. Each unit is different, but I like to start with an introduction to other nurses and match them up with different mentors. I've created the standard scavenger hunt for the unit layout and some awesome PowerPoint presentations for how the unit works. I take responsibility for having them follow me for one shift so they see the general layout of how the unit works and how each nurse fits into that system. I use the nursing process in almost everything I do, including teaching new staff."

"I have found the best and most effective way to train new nurses is to have a new employee orientation where they are introduced to the employee handbook and tour the unit to see where everything is. After their tour, I have the new hires pair up with a mentor and shadow them for a shift or two, depending on their experience. After their mentor feels they are ready to work on their own, I assign them shifts and let them know they always have the support of myself and my staff if they have any questions."

I have a significant amount of experience training new nurses both on the floor and in the classroom. Once they have finished general orientation and computer training, I have found that the best way is hands on. I allow the new nurse to shadow either myself or the staff nurse for 1 day first. This allows them to get a tour of the unit and see how thing work. After day 1 they work hands on side by side with the experienced nurse. This way they are actually performing skills and documenting them. This gives them practice from the start but also allows the trainer to identify any issues or gaps in learning from the start. Its highly important to be supportive of the new nurses by fostering guidance and leading by example. It's important for them to have a skills checklist to ensure that they receive training in all aspects of the job.