Dedicated On Boarding Unit (DOU Unit)
Nature and scope of the project
The Designated Onboarding Unit (DOU) aims to reduce the high nurse turnover rate & enhance the confidence & skills of new hires. It offers a structured, competency-based, controlled environment led by qualified preceptors who use a tiered competency approach to onboard one to two nurses at a time.
Synthesis and analysis of supporting literature
Since the C19 pandemic, newly graduated nurses have experienced limited hands-on clinical training. This has resulted in a sense of unpreparedness & frustration in their practice, prompting many to leave bedside roles at alarming rates. The national turnover rate for registered nurses in hospitals was 27.1% in 2021, while at OSF LCMMC, it reached 36%. The DOU offers a unique opportunity for new nurses to collaborate closely with experienced preceptors, knowledgeable educators, & nursing leaders.
Project implementation
Nursing leaders & educators developed a tiered competency framework that allows preceptors to onboard one to two nurses at a time. With varied nursing & educational backgrounds, the preceptors bring a wealth of diverse bedside skills to the table. Patient assignments grow in frequency each week, & they attend frequent lectures that cover a range of nursing topics. The DOU provides a tailored nursing orientation, allowing new graduates to collaborate closely with their preceptors while utilizing their personalized curriculum as a basis for their nursing practice. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment and cultivates confidence and independence in new nurses.
Evaluation criteria
The data indicates that since the introduction of the DOU, we have experienced a reduction in nurse turnover and an improvement in retention rates. In 2021, the total nursing turnover rate was 36.8% and dropped to 24% in 2022. Today we are at _____20.9% 2024___. Overall, the DOU offers a supportive environment where new nurses can continue to grow professionally. This opportunity stems from the comprehensive DOU and the opportunities it provides, bringing the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.
Outcomes
Overall, the DOU offers a supportive environment where new nurses can continue to grow professionally. This opportunity stems from the comprehensive DOU and the opportunities it provides, bringing the gap between academic knowledge and practical application.
Recommendations
The DOU was founded on the knowledge & experience acquired in nursing school. Since its implementation, there has been a decrease in nurse turnover, an increase in retention rates, & a boost in confidence. Nurses feel more supported & empowered, benefiting the new nurses and patient care outcomes.
Dedicated On Boarding Unit (DOU Unit)
