Comparing Orientation Programs for Newly Licensed Registered Nurses in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit

A tiered orientation was developed for newly licensed registered nurses (NLRN) without prior nurse extern (NE) experience and compared to the existing standard orientation designed for NLRN with NE experience. Orientation completion and retention were higher for NLRN who completed standard orientation. While tiered orientation was not as successful, its implementation provided insights into the support needs of NLRNs. Prior NE experience proved invaluable, setting a strong foundation for transition to the NLRN role.