What is the PICO question? Does the use of a mentoring program after the initial 3month orientation period for new nurses have a positive effect on their self-confidence and increase retention as compared to the standard 8-12 week orientation phase with out a mentoring program.
Define each element of the question below:
P- (Patient, population, or problem): New nurses self-confidence, retention, learning, and comfort in their clinical setting after their standard 3month orientation period.
I- (Intervention): Providing new nurses with a mentor for 3months on the floor for the duration of their shifts. We can allow the mentor work the same shift hours as the new nurse so the new nurse will feel they have the support available to them if needed. After they have completed their 3month orientation phase.We can do this for 1month following the end of orientation.
C- (Comparison with other treatment/current practice): Standard 8-12 week orientation only, not including a mentor following.
O- (Desired outcome): Increase in new nurse retention rate.
What is the practice issue/problem?
The issue here is that there is a lack of retention after new nurses start their job due to lack of support and confidence in doing their jobs. New nurses feel unprepared, alone and scared to ask questions this is when the mentor program will kick in and help keep new nurses comfortable and motivated in their settings.