From Lecture to Learner-centered: Redesign of Hospital Nursing Orientation

Abstract

<p>&lt;p&gt;A redesign of hospital nursing orientation led to the merging of a standardized program and a learner-centered curriculum. A recent Magnet Journey inspired nurse educators to collaborate and merge resources. The redesign was intended to maximize and pool system resources. Another challenge for the nurse educators was to re-examine the curriculum and integrate active learning strategies to align with current educational practices. Review of evidence influenced the incorporation of technology into the program and a visionary strategy to engage the millennial workforce.&lt;/p&gt;<br />&lt;p&gt;Nurse educators met for several months brainstorming, researching, and restructuring the orientation program. The challenge was to make policy review, system processes, and safety goals into engaging and interactive learning activities. Active learning strategies such as case studies, group discussions, role playing, word clouds, simulations, return demonstration, videos, and tablet application were added to the curriculum. One engaging experience included a simulation manikin to identify incorrect safety goals. The participants worked together to identify concerns which led to additional discussion related to policy and procedure and safety goal standards.&lt;/p&gt;<br />&lt;p&gt;The system&rsquo;s nursing orientation began as three separate programs which have merged into one standardized hospital-wide orientation. Nurses are now on-boarded in an interactive environment packed with hands on learning opportunities. Post orientation redesign feedback results show the majority of nurses find the learner-centered orientation effective and engaging.&lt;/p&gt;</p>