New Graduate Program

The new graduate program is a comprehensive, year-long orientation which is divided into three critical elements.

A two-week program familiarizing the new graduates with the hospital and their department. The program involves:

• Orienting to the unit with your preceptor
• Visiting various departments throughout the hospital such as pharmacy, radiology, out-patient infusion services (OPIS), and hospice.
• Lectures given by physicians and nurses on specialty
• Critical thinking exercises
• Luncheon with mentor, preceptor, and department leaders
• A two to four month, depending on the specialty, one-to-one clinical preceptorship to apply skills and develop nursing competencies as they relate to their specific specialties.
• Upon completion of the formal clinical preceptorship, orientation continues for nine months under the guidance of the preceptor and mentor. Additional support will be available as the new graduate continues to develop skills in the nursing process.

Preceptor Program

When orienting to the department, a preceptor provides critical information and review of skills to the new nurse. This year long program includes:

• A one-to-one partnership with an experienced nurse
• Establishing partnership goals
• Orienting to the clinical setting at SMH
• Reviewing policies and procedures for providing patient care
• Post conferences to review the progression of the orientation

New RN Graduate Internship

This internship provides new graduates with the support, knowledge and skills necessary to successfully transition from student to professional nursing practice. Specially trained preceptors provide direction and support.

Weeks 1& 2

• Comprehensive overview of hospital policies, procedures, and how to integrate as a new hospital employee.
• Review of pertinent clinical topics.
• Opportunity to meet with other departments and key physicians.

Weeks 3-12

• Bi-weekly support groups conducted by an RN II and clinical resource nurse
• Structured preceptorship assuming gradual and progressive responsibility for patient care.

Weeks 13-26

• Bi-weekly support groups
• Continued feedback and regular meetings with preceptor.

Mentor Program

During the first year as a nurse, there are many new and challenging learning experiences. SMH pairs new nurses with a mentor for additional support. The mentor selected has a strong health career concept that integrates education and work values. Such a side-by-side relationship allows the new nurse to work and identify with a competent role model who is involved on a daily basis in decisions, processes and protocols of patient and unit management.

Student Reimbursement Options

• SMH will reimburse RN graduates for the cost of a NCLEX review course, NCLEX testing fees and Maryland Board of Nursing licensure fees. This amount will be paid in return for nine months of service following completion of the probationary period.
• SMH will reimburse RN Graduates for out of nursing school related expenses incurred while in a RN degree program. This amount includes tuition, books and fees. The maximum amount paid is $3,000 with maximum service of three years. Other commitments will be prorated to the amount of reimbursement.
• SMH will provide financial assistance with debt payment of student loans not to exceed $3,000. Service commitment will be prorated by amount of assistance to a maximum of three years of service.