What are Readiness to Practice Indicators?

Readiness for Practice Indicators (RPI’s) are guiding principles for practice that serve to set goals and demonstrate incremental progress. Preceptors and orientees can work on multiple RPIs simultaneously as all criteria illustrate the scope and practice of our roles as nurses. 

When a preceptor selects "Validated" under the RPI Status for a category e.g., Assessment or Medication Management, it means that the orientee consistently performs all criteria in the category without prompting or assistance for the entire patient assignment.

Unless the orientee consistently performs the criteria independently, the preceptor should select "In Progress" for the RPI status until you can validate all the criteria on the right. This shows incremental progress toward managing a full patient assignement independently.

The Intent of Readiness to Practice Indicators (RPIs)

The intent of RPIs is to be used as a determinant for independent practice for nurses in orientation. Once an orientee is validated on all 12 RPIs, this triggers a discussion between team members to move the orientee to a member of the staffing mix.

Variation in Usage

All users in Engage customize resources and apply them to meet their needs. Your institution may use RPIs differently or require validation of other competencies in addition to RPIs to consider an orientee ready for independent practice. Talk with your Internal Driver or Nurse Educator for more information.