Preceptors for non-clinical employees: extending the value

Although preceptors have been utilized for many years to orient nurses, non-clinical employees have not had the benefit of having consistent, competent, standardized guidance during their orientation period. A preceptorship program was implemented in Ambulatory Care Services for non-clinical employees to improve the orientation experience and to make new employees feel valued. The preceptor program was designed to standardize the information given and skills taught, to increase competence in all job tasks, to assure completion of orientation documents, to reduce staff turnover and increase job satisfaction, and to reduce orientation costs to the organization. Many improvements have been realized related to these goals, including improved staff satisfaction and reduced turnover.