Certified Respiratory Therapist Onboarding Checklist

Certified Respiratory Therapist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Certified Respiratory Therapist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Healthcare onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Certified Respiratory Therapist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Certified Respiratory Therapist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Certified Respiratory Therapist Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) attends a comprehensive orientation program conducted by the Human Resources department. This includes an introduction to the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures, as well as an overview of the healthcare industry and the role of a CRT within the organization. The HR department is responsible for conducting the orientation program.

2. Facility Tour: The new CRT is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including the respiratory therapy department, patient care areas, and support services. This task is typically performed by a senior respiratory therapist or a designated staff member from the respiratory therapy department.

3. Introduction to Team Members: The new CRT is introduced to their colleagues and key team members within the respiratory therapy department, such as respiratory therapists, respiratory therapy assistants, and supervisors. This introduction helps foster relationships and promotes a sense of belonging. The department supervisor or a designated team member usually performs this task.

4. Review of Policies and Procedures: The new CRT is provided with a comprehensive review of the company’s policies and procedures, including those specific to respiratory therapy. This includes information on infection control, patient confidentiality, documentation requirements, and emergency protocols. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member is responsible for conducting this review.

5. Training on Equipment and Technology: The new CRT receives training on the various respiratory therapy equipment and technology used within the organization. This includes ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, and monitoring devices. The training is typically conducted by experienced respiratory therapists or biomedical technicians.

6. Introduction to Electronic Health Records (EHR): The new CRT is trained on the organization’s electronic health record system, including how to access patient information, document therapy interventions, and generate reports. This training is usually provided by the respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member.

7. Shadowing and Mentoring: The new CRT is paired with an experienced respiratory therapist who serves as a mentor. The mentor provides guidance, support, and opportunities for the new CRT to observe and participate in real patient care scenarios. The mentor is typically a senior respiratory therapist within the department.

8. Review of Clinical Protocols: The new CRT is familiarized with the clinical protocols and guidelines specific to respiratory therapy, such as those related to asthma management, COPD exacerbations, and ventilator weaning. This task is performed by the respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member.

9. Continuing Education Opportunities: The new CRT is informed about the organization’s commitment to continuing education and professional development. They are provided with information on available workshops, conferences, and online courses to enhance their knowledge and skills. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or the education coordinator is responsible for sharing this information.

10. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The new CRT is provided with clear performance expectations and informed about the evaluation process. This includes information on performance metrics, quality improvement initiatives, and opportunities for advancement. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or the HR department is responsible for communicating this information.

11. Compliance Training: The new CRT undergoes compliance training, which covers topics such as HIPAA regulations, patient rights, and ethical considerations. This training is typically conducted by the HR department or a designated compliance officer.

12. Safety and Infection Control Training: The new CRT receives training on safety protocols, infection control measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. This training is usually conducted by the respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member.

13. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The new CRT is introduced to the concept of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of effective communication and teamwork in providing comprehensive patient care. This introduction may involve meetings with representatives from other healthcare disciplines, such as nurses, physicians, and physical therapists. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member facilitates this introduction.

14. Review of Emergency Response Procedures: The new CRT is trained on emergency response procedures, including code blue situations, fire drills, and disaster management protocols. This training is typically conducted by the respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member.

15. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The new CRT is informed about the organization’s quality improvement initiatives and their role in ensuring patient safety and enhancing the quality of care. This introduction may involve reviewing past quality improvement projects and discussing ongoing initiatives. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member is responsible for providing this information.

16. Introduction to Ethical Considerations: The new CRT is educated on ethical considerations specific to respiratory therapy, such as end-of-life care, informed consent, and patient autonomy. This education is typically provided by the respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member.

17. Introduction to Research Opportunities: The new CRT is informed about any ongoing research projects or opportunities for involvement in research within the organization. This introduction may involve discussions with research coordinators or principal investigators. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member shares this information.

18. Introduction to Professional Organizations: The new CRT is provided with information on professional organizations relevant to respiratory therapy, such as the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). They are encouraged to join these organizations to stay updated on industry trends and network with other professionals. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member shares this information.

19. Introduction to Patient Population: The new CRT is provided with an overview of the patient population they will be serving, including common respiratory conditions, age groups, and cultural considerations. This introduction may involve discussions with nursing staff or physicians. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member facilitates this introduction.

20. Introduction to Administrative Processes: The new CRT is familiarized with administrative processes, such as scheduling, billing, and insurance documentation. This introduction may involve meetings with administrative staff or representatives from the billing department. The respiratory therapy department supervisor or a designated staff member provides this information.

Overall, these onboarding tasks aim to ensure that the new Certified Respiratory Therapist is equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to provide high-quality respiratory care within the healthcare organization

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Certified Respiratory Therapist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Certified Respiratory Therapist up to speed and working well in your Healthcare team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.