A Comprehensive Onboarding and Orientation Plan for Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Providers

Tamra M. Langley, Jeremy Dority, Justin F. Fraser, Kevin W. Hatton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: As the role of advanced practice providers (APPs) expands to include increasingly complex patient care within the intensive care unit, the educational needs of these providers must also be expanded. An onboarding process was designed for APPs in the neurocritical care service line. Methods: Onboarding for new APPs revolved around 5 specific areas: candidate selection, proctor assignment, 3-phased orientation process, remediation, and mentorship. To ensure effective training for APPs, using the most time-conscious approach, the backbone of the process is a structured curriculum. This was developed and integrated within the standard orientation and onboarding process. The curriculum design incorporated measurable learning goals, objective assessments of phased goal achievements, and opportunities for remediation. Results: The neurocritical care service implemented an onboarding process in 2014. Four APPs (3 nurse practitioners and 1 physician assistant) were employed by the department before the implementation of the orientation program. The length of employment ranged from 1 to 4 years. Lack of clinical knowledge and/or sufficient training was cited as reasons for departure from the position in 2 of the 4 APPs, as either self-expression or peer evaluation. Since implementation of this program, 12 APPs have completed the program, of which 10 remain within the division, creating an 83% retention rate. Discussion: The onboarding process, including a 3-phased, structured orientation plan for neurocritical care, has increased APP retention since its implementation. The educational model, along with proctoring and mentorship, has improved clinical knowledge and increased nurse practitioner retention. A larger-scale study would help to support the validity of this onboarding process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-160
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Neuroscience Nursing
Volume50
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Association of Neuroscience Nurses.

Keywords

  • advanced practice providers retention
  • onboarding
  • orientation of nurse practitioners

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Medical–Surgical

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Comprehensive Onboarding and Orientation Plan for Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Providers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this