This week, Adriane E. Avillion, DEd, RN, discusses key points you should look at when reviewing your facility's orientation program.

Q: I have been looking at redesigning my facility's orientation program and am wondering what key points I should review when deciding what to add or change?

A: Each staff development department's analysis will reveal strengths and weaknesses unique to its particular organization. However, some generalizations can be made:

• Cost efficiency must improve, taking into consideration not only orientation delivery but also the cost of recruiting and retaining staff and the cost of turnover
• Orientation programs must be reviewed to determine whether they meet the needs of learners with varying learning styles
• Orientation programs must be reviewed to determine whether the learning needs of four distinct generations are being met
• Orientation programs must be designed to meet the needs of mature healthcare employees

To read other key points, click here.

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