Date of Award

Spring 3-15-2023

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Maryellen Roberts, DNP

Committee Member

Kristi Stinson, PhD

Committee Member

Stacey Cuomo, DNP

Keywords

Onboarding, Advanced Practice Nurse Onboarding, Pre-Anesthesia Clinic

Abstract

Onboarding advanced practice nurses to the pre-anesthesia clinic (OBPAC) is a complex process that involves the integration and familiarization of new employees with the workplace. It is considered essential for safe and efficient clinical practice and the achievement of organizational goals. Fostering independence and competency are the overall aims of the onboarding process. The preceptor ensures that new advanced practice nurses (APNs) receive the support and guidance needed when learning new skills (Simone et al., 2016). There is evidence to show that dedicating time to a well-organized onboarding plan, laying clear job expectations with precepting, and continuous mentoring increases precepting, job satisfaction, and staff retention (Bowe, 2018). Providing clear objectives, regular and timely feedback, a blueprint for onboarding, and frequent communication such as post-onboarding check-ins are some of the educational resources that were developed with strategies recommended by Benner (1984) as a guide. The pre-anesthesia clinic guidelines learning checklist has offered up-to-date clinical knowledge to ensure that time is assigned to learn and demonstrate skills attained through the OBPAC. As APNs gain competence and become advanced beginners in the clinical aspect, they will routinely be required to call on their abilities of problem-solving and anticipation of challenges. Evaluations post-OBPAC have been favorable, garnered positive feedback from preceptors, new APNs, and the administration, and improved post-testing in new APNs.

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