An Effective Orientation Program is Key to Laying the Framework within a Virtual Nursing Environment
Submitted by Michelle Cox, MBA, RN, NE-BC
Tags: healthcare workers nurse Nurse Education nurse's responsibility virtual learning
Nurses transitioning to a virtual nursing environment can experience a unique learning curve, this can include the technology used for care delivery and communication, clinical workflows, and soft skills supportive of patient-nurse relationships within the virtual environment. The virtual care delivery components can present to be all too overwhelming for even the most experienced bedside nurse. Nurses transitioning into the virtual nurse environment develop their new skill set and understanding of the virtual nursing environment as outlined by Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory. “Benner (1982) describes the transition from novice to expert as circular, rather than a linear process. Learners may move from one stage to another repeatedly as they learn new knowledge and skills.” As healthcare shifts towards innovative care models that require virtual nursing skill sets, providing a strong foundation through comprehensive orientation ensures that nurses are well-equipped to deliver exceptional patient care in this unique setting (OpenAI, 2024).
Most health institutions offer new hire orientation followed by general nursing orientation curriculums; they may also include additional orientations for specialized nursing departments. Virtual nursing departments should also offer a specialized nursing orientation curriculum. In addition to precepting, a didactic based orientation can help to build the foundation of knowledge related to the uniqueness of the virtual nursing environment. “Specialized units should consider implementing a didactic portion of orientation that focuses on common diagnoses and procedures, along with high risk/low incidence competencies” (Cline, 2021).
The virtual nursing orientation refers to a didactic approach of preparing the virtual nurse, largely focusing on what is unique to the virtual nursing environment, preparing the new hire nurses for their role as a virtual nurse. At the end of the didactic portion, learners should have increased knowledge of the virtual care delivery model as well as the associated technology, workflows, and resources. As a result, learners will be able to demonstrate a foundational base of knowledge specific to their virtual nursing role and the virtual environment as they transition to a preceptor.
OpenAI (2024) produced the following outline of key components of an effective virtual nursing orientation program:
- Technical Training: Familiarizing nurses with virtual platforms and tools to ensure seamless communication and care delivery.
- Role Clarity: Defining expectations and responsibilities unique to virtual nursing to build confidence and efficiency.
- Workflow Integration: Teaching nurses how to navigate and integrate into existing workflows within the virtual nursing environment and remote care teams.
- Soft Skills Development: Enhancing skills such as virtual communication, empathy, and active listening to foster strong patient-nurse relationships.
- Ongoing Support: Providing mentorship, resources, and continuous education to address challenges and promote professional growth.
The illustration below depicts an example of an optimal orientation program outline that supports virtual nursing environments:
A well-structured orientation sets the course for nurses to succeed in a virtual environment as well as ensures a positive impact on patient outcomes, nurse retention, and team dynamics. “Designing an effective orientation and precepting program produce nurses who provide competent, quality patient care and are enculturated as productive members of the healthcare team” (Cline, 2021). Having an established onboarding plan that includes a comprehensive virtual nursing orientation is essential for ensuring a smooth and confident transition through the stages of proficiency. Organization’s that develop robust onboarding plans highlights the importance of supporting nurses as they navigate this innovative care model, ultimately contributing to individual nurse success and the overall success of the virtual care delivery model.
References
- Cline, S (2021). 5 Essentials of Nursing Orientation. December 19, 2024
- Eustace, R (2020). Novice to Expert. December 19, 2024
- OpenAI (2024). ChatGPT (Mar 23 version) [Language Large Model]. https://chatgpt.com/
- Pertiwi, R. and Hariyati, R. (2019). Effective Orientation Programs for New Graduate Nurses: A Systematic Review. December 19, 2024
- Wolters Kluwer (2020). 9 Qualities of Effective Nursing Preceptor Programs. December 20, 2024