We Love Nurse Graduates
Winter Haven Hospital is honored to work closely with a number of local nursing programs and host a number of clinical groups each semester. We provide additional clinical opportunities-and income-for nursing students through our "Nurse Tech" and "Practical Nurse Tech" programs.
We welcome excellent nurse graduates with the following "graduate perks":
- Special Graduate Nurse Orientation - held biannually in January and May for new grads; includes intense classroom time under the direction of our Clinical Nurse Educators-seasoned expert nurses from the various clinical areas
- Optional NCLEX-prep Course
- Sign-on Bonu$
- All NCLEX fees pre-paid
- Paid day to take the NCLEX
- Relocation assistance to qualified applicants
Nurse graduates work closely with trained nurse preceptors for 13 weeks, during the immediate transition period. A special focus is given to providing structure to the graduate's experience and fostering the development of independence and confidence. Sequentially progressive activities that the graduate should be performing are introduced each week. In the event that a graduate is unable to transition in the typical time period, a performance plan is formulated based on collaboration between the nurse preceptor, the unit manager, the clinical nurse educator and the graduate. This plan is very specific, targeting area(s) of opportunity along with specific strategies to promote clinical competence and confidence within the graduate.
To provide support and continued professional development in the new graduate during their transition from novice to competent nurse, the graduate nurse also attends a monthly, two-hour "Brown Bag Luncheon and Seminar" for (at least) 6-8 months. The content of these seminars focuses on common learning needs and issues faced by new graduates during their transition to independence. Information is presented informally by members of nursing administration as well as by staff nurses. New graduates are encouraged to discuss situations that cause them frustration as well as what they find to be helpful in improving their confidence and coping skills with everyday situations on their units. The seminar provides an opportunity for sharing of information but also a way for graduates to receive emotional support from each other and members of the staff. The seminars also provide the staff with an opportunity to gain insight into the needs of the graduate and to intervene when a problem is evident. Seminar topics include:
- Accountability, Interdependence and Independence
- Caring
- Coping skills
- Delegation Skills
- Interpersonal Communication Techniques
- Organization skills
- Prioritization
Our nurse graduates also have a unique source of support, as they are followed by a nurse mentor who "rounds" to maintain contact on a regular basis. The nurse mentor, previously a clinical instructor in a local nursing program, is very knowledgeable regarding the typical anxieties and concerns that plague graduates. This insight enables her to quickly identify issues and then proactively work to resolve them before they become problematic. She is highly respected by both staff and by students.
More Benefits for Our Staff
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