Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Onboarding Checklist

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 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 Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) attends a comprehensive orientation program to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Team: The CTRS is introduced to their immediate team members, including supervisors, colleagues, and support staff. This allows them to establish relationships, understand team dynamics, and learn about their roles and responsibilities. The team leader or supervisor usually performs this task.

3. Review of Job Description: The CTRS receives a detailed review of their job description, including specific duties, expectations, and performance metrics. This helps them understand their role within the organization and align their work accordingly. The supervisor or department head typically performs this task.

4. Training on Electronic Health Records (EHR) System: As healthcare relies heavily on electronic documentation, the CTRS receives training on the company’s EHR system. This includes learning how to input patient information, document interventions, and access relevant data. The training is usually conducted by the IT department or a designated EHR trainer.

5. Familiarization with Facility and Equipment: The CTRS is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including various departments, treatment areas, and recreational spaces. They are also introduced to the equipment and resources available for therapeutic recreation activities. A designated staff member, such as a facility manager or senior CTRS, performs this task.

6. Review of Policies and Procedures: The CTRS is provided with an overview of the company’s policies and procedures related to patient care, safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines. This ensures compliance and adherence to industry standards. The Human Resources department or a designated compliance officer typically performs this task.

7. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Team: The CTRS is introduced to the interdisciplinary team members, such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers, with whom they will collaborate to provide comprehensive patient care. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or department head.

8. Review of Documentation Requirements: The CTRS receives training on the specific documentation requirements for therapeutic recreation interventions, including assessment forms, progress notes, and discharge summaries. This ensures accurate and timely documentation of patient care. The supervisor or a senior CTRS typically performs this task.

9. Review of Safety Protocols: The CTRS is trained on safety protocols and emergency procedures specific to the healthcare facility. This includes fire safety, infection control, and response to medical emergencies. The training is usually conducted by the facility’s safety officer or a designated trainer.

10. Introduction to Support Services: The CTRS is introduced to support services within the organization, such as the maintenance department, housekeeping, dietary services, and transportation. This helps them understand the resources available to enhance patient care. A designated staff member, such as a facility manager or department head, performs this task.

11. Review of Professional Development Opportunities: The CTRS is provided with information about professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and certifications, to enhance their knowledge and skills in therapeutic recreation. The supervisor or a designated professional development coordinator typically performs this task.

12. Introduction to Policies on Continuing Education: The CTRS is informed about the company’s policies and support for continuing education, including reimbursement for approved courses and time off for educational activities. This encourages ongoing professional growth. The Human Resources department or a designated education coordinator performs this task.

13. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The CTRS is introduced to the organization’s quality improvement initiatives, such as patient satisfaction surveys, outcome measures, and performance improvement projects. This helps them understand the importance of continuous improvement in patient care. The supervisor or a designated quality improvement coordinator typically performs this task.

14. Review of Ethical Guidelines: The CTRS receives training on ethical guidelines specific to therapeutic recreation, including maintaining patient confidentiality, respecting cultural diversity, and upholding professional boundaries. This ensures ethical practice within the organization. The supervisor or a designated ethics officer performs this task.

15. Introduction to Supervision and Performance Evaluation: The CTRS is informed about the company’s supervision and performance evaluation process, including regular check-ins, goal setting, and performance feedback. This helps them understand how their work will be assessed and supported. The supervisor or a designated performance management coordinator performs this task.

16. Introduction to Billing and Reimbursement Processes: The CTRS receives training on the company’s billing and reimbursement processes, including documentation requirements for insurance claims and understanding reimbursement codes. This ensures accurate and compliant billing practices. The billing department or a designated billing coordinator typically performs this task.

17. Review of Infection Control Practices: The CTRS is trained on infection control practices specific to therapeutic recreation, including hand hygiene, equipment disinfection, and isolation precautions. This helps prevent the spread of infections within the healthcare facility. The infection control department or a designated infection control nurse performs this task.

18. Introduction to Patient Rights and Advocacy: The CTRS is educated on patient rights and their role in advocating for patients’ needs and preferences. This includes respecting autonomy, informed consent, and ensuring a patient-centered approach to care. The supervisor or a designated patient advocate performs this task.

19. Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Practice: The CTRS is introduced to the importance of research and evidence-based practice in therapeutic recreation. They are provided with resources and guidance on accessing and utilizing research findings to inform their interventions. The supervisor or a designated research coordinator performs this task.

20. Review of Emergency Response Plan: The CTRS receives training on the organization’s emergency response plan, including evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and their role during emergencies. This ensures preparedness and safety for both patients and staff. The facility’s safety officer or a designated emergency response coordinator performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 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.