A research-based model of nursing orientation.

The authors present an orientation model derived from a naturalistic study of a nursing orientation program. This model includes the organizational aspects of orientation, as well as characteristics related to the person being oriented. Included in the model is an affective element of welcoming newcomers to a facility and an assessment of clinical competency. In addition, the model includes the educational and managerial requirements of the process and emphasizes the importance of the preceptor.