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The role of physical design and informal communication

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interactive <strong>and</strong> interpersonal learning includes intuitive underst<strong>and</strong>ings <strong>of</strong> “how we do<br />

things here.”<br />

1.8.1 Impact <strong>of</strong> Informal Learning on the Graduate Nurses Experience<br />

Currently a range <strong>of</strong> “formal” learning strategies aimed at easing the graduate<br />

nurse transition are being implemented, including orientation programs, internships,<br />

<strong>and</strong> the use <strong>of</strong> a preceptor (Godinez, Schweiger, Gruver, & Ryan, 1999). Although<br />

these programs can be beneficial in terms <strong>of</strong> increasing clinical competencies <strong>and</strong><br />

reducing nurse turnover, they can be expensive. Maiocco (2003) provides estimates<br />

ranging from $18,000 for an 8-week orientation period to $25,000 for a 12-week<br />

period. She also states that orientation programs are not only costly in terms <strong>of</strong><br />

dollars, but also in terms <strong>of</strong> experienced nurses’ time <strong>and</strong> energy, now at a premium<br />

due to the nursing shortage. However, formal learning strategies may not be the only<br />

solution to the problem.<br />

Informal learning opportunities may also facilitate the gaining <strong>of</strong> competencies<br />

among new nurse graduates. By overemphasizing the importance <strong>of</strong> formal learning<br />

strategies <strong>and</strong> failing to realize the value in <strong>informal</strong>, participatory learning, an<br />

organization can “undercut the various processes by which they can become effective<br />

learning organizations” (Wenger, 1999). <strong>The</strong> communities <strong>of</strong> practice perspective can<br />

be applied to the healthcare organization: Opportunities for <strong>informal</strong>, on-the-job<br />

learning <strong>and</strong> opportunistic <strong>communication</strong> - such as impromptu questions asked while<br />

passing a preceptor in the corridor or striking a spontaneous conversation while<br />

engaged in another task at the nurses’ station - may help to increase graduate nurse<br />

competencies, thereby reducing levels <strong>of</strong> stress.<br />

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