Faculty Orientation: A Good Start

Presented by: Tamarah Pearson, MSN, RN, CEN and Kimberly Brownie, MSN, RN

Good Start is the Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing (BSMCON) program to
onboard new faculty. The purpose of Good Start is to facilitate a smooth
transition into the faculty role. Literature shows that mentoring programs benefit
the new faculty member, senior faculty, and the institution as a whole by
providing general stability and organizational health. Mentoring is the single most
influential way to help in the successful development and retention of new
nursing faculty. Throughout the first academic year of teaching, Good Start
faculty participate in monthly group meetings focused on the National League for
Nursing Core Competencies of Nurse Educators. These meetings provide a
nurturing environment to build rapport, develop skills, and have fun. Individually,
each faculty member has a team that consists of their direct supervisor, faculty
navigator and course mentors. Monthly meetings with the direct supervisor allow
for consistent discussion of successes and challenges. The Faculty Navigator is an
experienced faculty member who is paired with a Good Start member for the first
academic year, assisting with day to day activities of the college. This includes
weekly meetings offering guidance on expectations of the faculty role, nursing
faculty committee membership, college level committees and integration into the
culture of BSMCON. For each course taught by Good Start faculty a Course
Mentor is assigned for one semester. This role is dedicated to guiding the new
faculty through specific course-related expectations such as delivery of content,
managing Blackboard, and grading. Meetings with the mentor are held as needed
for successful course delivery. Good Start supports new faculty during the
transition into their role, offers multiple safe places for asking questions and
seeking guidance, and improves faculty retention and satisfaction.