| Sumario: | Significance & Background: An increasing number of newly hired Oncology Case Managers and Clinic Nurses have limited oncology experience. Post-orientation surveys revealed many of these nurses felt under-prepared and lacked confidence in their new roles. Additionally, a low interest in pursuing Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification was observed in the group of 7 nurses employed less than 1 year. This project encourages best practices to ensure new nurse preparedness, promotes safe nursing practice environment and helps support current patient safety initiatives of the institution. Purpose: To improve new nurse preparedness, confidence, and interest in OCN certification, a survey was conducted among nurses. The survey identified a need for structured oncology-specific education and resources during orientation. Key material included: Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Oncology Basics and Oncologic Emergencies, and oncology treatment modalities. Interventions: Three new hires were given an 8-week orientation program. This includes week 4: two 4-hour sessions with ONS Oncology Basics module, weeks 5 -6: one 4-hour session with ONS Oncologic Emergencies, weeks 7-8: two 2 hour 1:1 sessions with peers to review material and verify understanding and weeks 4 - 8: disease-based physician provided presentations. A group of 7 nurses who had been employed less than 1 year and lacked oncology experience completed the same modules as described above for new hires. A post-orientation survey was taken immediately after completion of the program. Results: Outcomes were measured through a post-completion survey. Initial survey results demonstrated positive progress toward project goals. In the group of 7 nurses, confidence improved from 28.6% to 100%. Among the 3 newly hired nurses, confidence improved from 60% to 100% (there are an additional 2 currently in the program). Willingness to obtain OCN went from 60% to 70%. The institutional investment is $267/nurse for program material. Discussion: This orientation QI project has shown promising results in bridging the knowledge gap for nurses entering oncology with minimal oncology experience. Education and structured support led to increased job confidence, promoting higher-quality care. This project encourages the pursuit of OCN certification, supporting Magnet status. Early outcomes suggest the program is both feasible and effective. The program is sustainable and will continue as part of standard onboarding for new oncology nurses along-side a nurse fellowship program. The Next Steps are to analyze 6-month post-orientation survey results to measure continued confidence and certification pursuit.
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