Decentralized unit orientation: a model for professional practice.

Facilitating use of professional practice models is a goal of nursing administrators and educators. A plan for decentralized unit orientation designed to foster use of nursing process and nursing standards was developed within the division of surgical nursing. Conceptual frameworks, topic selection, behavioral objectives, content outline, teaching strategies, operationalization of the plan, and methods to evaluate learning are described in this article. Staff development educators can use the information to assist unit managers in developing a decentralized unit orientation plan that emphasizes professional practice.