Nursing leadership orientation: a competency and preceptor model to facilitate new leader success.

Many nurse manager orientation programs are loosely structured and fail to provide new managers with the experiences and support that will assure them a smooth transition. The authors describe an orientation program for new nurse managers that combines 3 components-nurse manager competencies, precepting by the nurse manager's supervisor, and written and classroom resources that, together, assure that new managers are ready to face the challenges that await them.