Improving Retention through Implementation of a Nurse Externship

Poster PresentationPurpose for the ProgramThis program was designed as a collaboration between a local university, nursing students, and a community hospital. All shared a common desire to promote 1st‐year retention for new graduates. Resumes and brief interviews with unit leadership are often the only information available for hiring decisions. Leaders express concern over the ability to choose appropriate candidates from limited interaction in the interview process. A primary program goal was to allow nurse leaders to better determine the success of potential employees through sustained interaction. For student nurse externs, participation was designed to expand clinical experiences and assist in the transition from academia to professional practice.Proposed ChangeTo provide a mutual opportunity for informed decision making, a nurse externship was proposed. Student nurses were able to experience specialties within nursing to determine compatibility. Prospective employers were able to spend more time with potential employees to allow better determination of future employer–employee relationship success.Implementation, Outcomes, and EvaluationCare of the Neonate was a 10‐week elective course for senior nursing students that included didactic content, skills labs, case studies, and quality improvement projects. The externship was dedicated to hands‐on experiences under the direction of a clinical coach. Patient assignments, conferences, and learning activities were des...

Source: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing - June 4, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Kristi J. Wilkerson, Shelley Faber Tags: Professional Issues Source Type: research