Specialized New Graduate RN Pediatric Orientation: A Strategy For Nursing Retention And its Financial Impact.

CAREER development; CHI-squared test; CHILDREN'S hospitals; CLINICAL competence; COMPARATIVE studies; CONCEPTUAL structures; COST control; EMPLOYEE orientation; INTENSIVE care nursing; RESEARCH methodology; NURSES; NURSING career counseling; PEDIATRIC nursing; STATISTICAL sampling; T-test (Statistics); EMPLOYEE retention; EVALUATION research; EDUCATIONAL attainment; PRE-tests & post-tests; CONTINUING education units; RETROSPECTIVE studies; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; MEDICAL registry personnel; ECONOMICS

The article explores the Pediatric Nurse Fellowship Program (PNFP) of the Cohen Children's Medical Center (CCMC). The program started after CCMC experienced a 1-year retention rate of 65 percent and 50 percent 2-year retention rate in its pediatric intensive care unit from 2005 - 2007. Focusing on new graduates, PNFP offers specialized pediatric orientation programs. The program's use of simulation was also found to be effective for making mistakes in a safe environment.