The influence of classroom orientation, quality of preceptor instruction, and number of preceptors on turnover intentions of critical care nurses with less than one year of experience

The retention of critical care nurses presents a significant problem for the health care system. While numerous studies have been conducted examining factors which affect nursing turnover, there has been limited research on the effects of the orientation process on nursing turnover. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the characteristics of orientation programs and turnover intentions of nurses with one year or less of critical care experience. The sample consisted of 57 critical care nurses from seven hospitals in the Southeastern United States. The instrument, a questionnaire, assessed anticipated turnover intentions, the nurses' perception of the quality of classroom orientation, the nurses' perception of the quality of preceptor instruction, number of preceptors the nurse had during orientation, and demographic characteristics. Correlational analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between the independent variables and turnover intentions. Analyses revealed the following findings: (1) perceived quality of classroom orientation was negatively related to turnover intentions; (2) perceived quality of preceptor instruction was negatively related to turnover intentions; (3) number of preceptors was not significantly related to turnover intentions. The findings of the study provide initial evidence that quality of classroom orientation and quality of preceptor instruction may affect turnover intentions. Thus, providing effective orientation programs may decrease turnover rates for nurses in critical care units.