An analysis of the nurse internship program at Naval Medical Center San Diego

Abstract

This thesis examines the implementation elements of the Nurse Internship Program (NIP) at Naval Medical Center San Diego. The NIP provides nurses with no or little nursing experience an opportunity to participate in professional development as United States Navy Nurse Corps officers. The resolution to implement a NIP requires resource allocation decisions and commitment from top leaders in the organization. A review of adult learning and teaching methods is presented as a foundation for the NIP. It emphasizes the Dreyfus sk ill acquisition model adapted to the nursing profession by Benner that depicts the "novice to expert" continuum. Next, an overview of nursing orientation framework as found in the civilian and military healthcare organizations focuses on the program implementation. A discussion of resource allocations made by organizations for a NIP or a nursing orientation program is then presented. Historical accessions data are examined to demonstrate the trend in new nurse appointments to the Navy. The NIP offers po tential benefits to the organization and the nurse interns. Planning, evaluation, and leadership support are important drivers in the NIP framework. Recommendations are presented for further study based on the foundational aspects of this study.