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Evidence-based expert: Don't ignore intuition

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, November 7, 2008

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This week's expert, Adrianne E. Avillion, DEd, RN, shares why staff educators should never ignore their intuition when it comes to orientation and new employees.

Q. Have you ever had a "gut" feeling that a particular employee just isn't a good fit for your organization? 

A. Don't discount these feelings. Intuition is a powerful tool and is often based on an unconscious awareness of subtle, inappropriate actions performed by orientees. When you have these feelings, try to quantify as well as qualify them.

Ask yourself questions such as the following:

• Has the orientee been late, or has he or she asked to leave early on multiple occasions?
• Has the orientee been aggressive rather than assertive during interactions with staff development specialists and colleagues?
• Has the orientee attempted to avoid demonstrating basic skills?
• Has the orientee displayed overt boredom, irritation, or lack of interest?

If you take the time to think about it, you may find that your intuition is supported by some objective data. Value your instincts.

Have a question for our evidence-based experts? Be a part of our new feature by e-mailing your queries to managing editor Maureen Larkin at mlarkin@hcpro.com. See your name in print and get the answers you're looking for!

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