Orientation Peer Support Program Implementation Toolkit
Perley Health is pleased to share Nurses Supporting Nurses: A Practical Guide to Building an Orientation Peer Support Program, an implementation toolkit designed to help long-term care organizations establish and strengthen peer support programs for nurses transitioning into independent practice.
The toolkit provides practical guidance, training resources, and ready-to-use tools to help organizations enhance their nursing orientation program in a cost-effective way that leverages nursing mentorship principles and peer support. Tailored and tested in long-term care, this nursing support program aims to foster supportive learning environments, strengthen nursing confidence, and support the transition to practice.
Ready-to-Use Implementation Toolkit
The Nurses Supporting Nurses: A Practical Guide to Building an Orientation Peer Support Program Toolkit includes practical, ready-to-use, resources to help long-term care organizations plan, implement, and support a Nursing Orientation Peer Support Program (NOPSP).
The toolkit includes:
Perley Health's Implementation Guide:
Nurses Supporting Nurses: A Practical Guide to Building an Orientation Peer Support Program
The main implementation guide provides practical, step-by-step guidance for developing, implementing, and sustaining a Nursing Orientation Peer Support Program (NOPSP) in long-term care. It brings together key considerations, strategies, and lessons learned to help organizations establish a structured approach to nursing peer support.
Additional resources include:
Toolkit Resource 1
NOPSP Information Flyer
An introduction to the Nursing Orientation Peer Support Program, outlining its purpose and value in supporting nurses as they transition into independent practice. Use this resource to introduce the program to nursing staff and organizational leaders.
Toolkit Resource 2
NOPSP Ten Practical Steps: At a Glance
A quick-reference guide outlining ten practical steps for developing and implementing a Nursing Orientation Peer Support Program. Use it to understand the implementation process and guide program planning.
Toolkit Resource 3
NOPSP Pre-Implementation Questionnaire
A questionnaire to help organizations better understand the experience of their current nursing orientation programs from the perspective of their staff nurses. It helps long-term care leaders explore the strengths and opportunities of their programs and give insights into whether implementing a Nursing Orientation Peer Support Program would benefit their team.
Toolkit Resource 4
NOPSP Overview: Outlining Roles, Expectations, and Scope
A resource that clarifies the roles, responsibilities, expectations, and scope of the program for participating nurses and Orientation Partners. Use it to establish a shared understanding of the program and support consistent implementation.
Toolkit Resource 5
NOPSP Tracking Spreadsheet
A practical tool for tracking program participation and key implementation activities. Use it to organize program information and support ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Toolkit Resource 6
NOPSP Orientation Partner Training Slide Deck
A training presentation to support the preparation of Orientation Partners who provide peer support to nurses transitioning into independent practice. Use it to facilitate Orientation Partner training and introduce key concepts and strategies for supportive peer relationships.
Toolkit Resource 7
NOPSP Orientation Partner Training Facilitator's Manual
A companion resource to the Orientation Partner training slide deck, providing guidance for facilitators delivering Orientation Partner training. Use it to support session preparation and delivery.
Toolkit Resource 8
NOPSP Email Templates
Ready-to-use email templates to support communication throughout the nursing orientation peer support process. Adapt them to communicate with participants, share program information, and support consistent program coordination.
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Declaration Statement
This project was funded in part by the Nurse Innovators Award through the Registered Nurses Foundation of Ontario (RNFOO).
