The DCCM recommended training programme runs for 8–15 weeks for new graduate nurses. The aim is for new nurses to become familiar with the DCCM environment and the specialities which we provide nursing care. Two preceptors are allocated to go through the programme with the new nurse.
For the first three weeks a new nurse works in a clinical workload sharing capacity with one of their two preceptors. On day one, the new nurse reports to the DCCM reception on the eighth floor (ward 82) of the main building at 7am. They are shown around the hospital, familiarising with the department, introduced to colleagues and given their competency book.
To assist with clinical development in DCCM, new nursing staff receive two books – a competency workbook and a resource book. All nursing staff are encouraged and supported to self-assess and to make judgements about their needs and achievements.
From week 4 to 10, new nurses are allocated their own patients, usually with a preceptor working in the adjoining bed space or in the runner role. During this time the new nurse works with their preceptor one shift per week. In the last week of the recommended training programme there is an informal appraisal with the nurse manager and the nurse educator. This is an opportunity to evaluate the programme and to set clinical goals for the following six months in DCCM.
