Enhancing staff development with a structured preceptor program.

The unexpected expansion of a 14-bed medical intensive care unit exposed the need for a structured preceptor/orientation program. Staff feedback and a review of quality indicators further substantiated this finding and revealed a decrease in standards of practice and problems in staff development. A restructured preceptor/orientation program yielded improvements in communication and staff satisfaction. Preceptors and orientees now have a better understanding of their roles and expectations, and quality of care is improving in an environment that promotes personal and professional growth.