Rogers launches its newest addition to the Onboarding Preceptor Program

10/12/22 12:43:pm

With the goal of giving new Rogers nurses more support for the best possible start, the Nursing Preceptor Program launched earlier this month. Starting with therapists in January, Rogers’ onboarding preceptor programs offer a structured, competency-based educational period for new teammates to learn from designated mentors.

“We are very excited to provide this onboarding opportunity to enhance the education experience for all Nursing Services team members,” says Mandy Isaacson, director, Infection Control, Wellness, and Nursing Education.

The Nursing Preceptor Program resulted from a “pull” for the solution Talent Development created for an organization-wide preceptor program. The Nurse Training and Onboarding Vertical Value Stream in collaboration with Talent Development created the specific RN approach under the broader framework the organization has adopted.

Previously, onboarding would consist of a weeklong Nursing Services Orientation. Now, once that orientation is complete, they are paired with an established Rogers nurse, who is serving as a preceptor, and receive one-on-one interaction for their first 90 days.

“Research shows that new hires feel more comfortable when developing a rapport with a mentor,” explains Courtney Barnard, senior manager, orientation and onboarding. “It’s important for them to have a relationship with someone they feel safe with to ask questions and seek support as they are learning and becoming acclimated in their new roles.”

In addition to training new employees on their job responsibilities, preceptors teach them about Rogers’ culture and help them get to know their colleagues.

Preceptors are selected by their managers and complete a three-hour virtual training. So far, 227 employees, including 44 nurses, have become preceptors.

“The idea is for our star employees who excel at their jobs and who are strong leaders to share their skills with new team members,” says Kendra Stea, executive director, Talent Development and Patient Safety. “We are grateful that Rogers not only makes time and space for the preceptor program to exist, but that it also awards preceptor pay to thank them for taking on extra work.”

Any Rogers department – clinical or non-clinical – is eligible to adopt the preceptor program in partnership with Talent Development.

“What an RN needs is very different from a PCA or a therapist,” Kendra says. “The experts in the department tell us what a specific role should learn in their onboarding experience, and Talent Development guides ideas around that.”

Employees interested in starting a preceptor program are encouraged to first speak to their department leadership and then contact Talent Development at TD_support@rogersbh.org.

For more information on becoming a preceptor, please review the candidate criteria and speak to your manager.