Find Your Best Fit

BACKGROUND: New graduate nurse turnover remains a critical workforce challenge, particularly in organizations dependent on early-career clinicians. At University Hospitals (UH) Ahuja Medical Center, first-year RN turnover exceeded 60%, driven by unmet expectations, limited leader connection, and poor cultural alignment. PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of Find Your Best Fit (FYF), an innovative orientation model designed to improve retention, engagement, and cultural alignment among newly licensed nurses. METHODS: FYF employed a 12-week rotational orientation in which new graduate nurses completed 2-week rotations across medical-surgical telemetry, orthopedic/surgery, step-down, and observation units, with supplemental specialty shadowing. Weekly one-on-one meetings with nursing leaders emphasized mentorship, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and career alignment. Participants selected their permanent unit upon program completion based on perceived fit and professional goals. RESULTS: Within 1 year, first-year RN turnover decreased by 32%, overall nurse turnover declined by 8%, and employee engagement increased by 30%. All 12 inaugural participants remained employed at 1 year. Qualitative feedback reflected strong support, teamwork, and confidence in role selection. CONCLUSION: FYF demonstrates that orientation is a strategic investment in people and culture. Human-centered, leader-engaged onboarding can meaningfully improve retention, engagement, and long-term workforce stability through intentional alignment and belonging.