Transitioning professional nurses into home care: A 6-month mentorship program

Abstract

It is hoped that hiring an employee is just the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial rela tionship. The orientation process is pivotal to the success of the individual and the agency. Well-planned orientations help the employee understand the agency, its philosophy, and its methods of operation. Unique challenges brought about by hiring staff with no home care expe rience forced one agency to conduct research and to develop a program aimed at gently and effectively transitioning the professional nurse into the specialty of home health care nursing. Key words: orientation, home health, preceptors, nursing, transition