Nursing Orientation helps you feel part of a special team
Nursing Orientation is an innovative program that helps new nurses integrate more easily into their roles at Gundersen. The goal is to establish a firm foundation for patient and family-centered care through a consistent and standardized orientation to nursing practice for all newly hired RNs and LPNs. Individual units, departments and regional clinics customize their orientation to build upon the Nursing Orientation foundation.
This four-day, paid orientation is offered 1-2 times per month. Nurses are automatically scheduled for Nursing Orientation generally within just a few days of starting work.
During your nursing-focused orientation, you will learn:
- The Gundersen philosophy of nursing.
- What resources are available to support your nursing practice and professional development.
- Practical nursing information you can use in your everyday work.
- Hands-on electronic medical record training.
After completing orientation, you will have a well-grounded understanding of nursing practices at Gundersen. Our investment upfront allows department orientations to be more focused.
Nursing Orientation helps you develop working relationships
During Nursing Orientation, you have an opportunity to develop relationships with other newly hired colleagues. You also meet and get to know staff members so you feel more connected to the interdisciplinary team at Gundersen.
Expert staff presentations make the experience valuable
The Nursing Orientation program offers a lot of interaction. You will share knowledge and ideas, learn new skills and brush up on previously learned skills. Dozens of Gundersen staff members serve as orientation leaders and speakers. They are selected for their expertise and present information on a wide variety of topics, including infection control, pain management, ethics, advance care planning, medication safety, diversity, bereavement, spirituality, medical emergencies, IV smart pumps, wound care and more.
Nurses appreciate the Nursing Orientation experience
"It was very helpful to be exposed to important policies before working on my unit. I especially enjoyed the walk-throughs with EPIC (electronic health record system)since it was my first time using it." — Sarah Call, RN, Inpatient Rehab Unit
"Orientation was a good opportunity to connect with other new employees and to get ready to start on the floor." — Staci Bergum, RN, Surgical Unit
"Great transition from nursing school into the nursing profession! It was nice to meet others who are new to the institution as well." — Courtney Nack, RN, Hospital Float Pool
"Nursing orientation was a great introduction to our role as a registered nurse for Gundersen." — Brittany Viner, RN, Hospital Float Pool
"Nursing Orientation reinforced the basic principles of nursing and provided numerous resources and tools for me to begin a solid career as an RN with Gundersen." — Maria Dahlke, RN, Hospital Float Pool
"Orientation provided a thorough overview of Gundersen policies and standards of care. Organizational structure was described well. I am confident that I now know what is expected of me as an RN." — Megan Brendum, RN, Hospital Float Pool