Community Health Nurse Onboarding Checklist

Community Health Nurse Onboarding Process

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

Community Health Nurse Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new community health nurse attends an orientation session 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 new nurse is introduced to their immediate team members, including supervisors, colleagues, and support staff. This task is usually performed by the nurse’s supervisor or team leader.

3. Facility Tour: The nurse is given a comprehensive tour of the healthcare facility, including the different departments, units, and resources available. This task is typically performed by a designated staff member or a member of the nursing administration.

4. Review of Job Responsibilities: The nurse’s supervisor or preceptor reviews their specific job responsibilities, including the scope of practice, documentation requirements, and any specialized tasks they may be assigned. This task is performed by the nurse’s supervisor or preceptor.

5. Training on Electronic Health Records (EHR): The nurse receives training on the facility’s electronic health record system, including how to navigate, document patient information, and access relevant resources. This task is usually performed by the nursing informatics team or a designated EHR trainer.

6. Introduction to Policies and Procedures: The nurse is provided with an overview of the facility’s policies and procedures, including infection control, medication administration, emergency protocols, and patient safety guidelines. This task is typically performed by the nursing administration or a designated staff member.

7. Review of Community Resources: The nurse is educated about the available community resources, such as local clinics, support groups, social services, and other healthcare providers. This task is usually performed by the nurse’s supervisor or a designated community liaison.

8. Orientation to Documentation Systems: The nurse is trained on the facility’s documentation systems, including how to complete assessments, care plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries. This task is typically performed by the nursing informatics team or a designated trainer.

9. Review of Quality Improvement Initiatives: The nurse is introduced to the facility’s quality improvement initiatives, including how to participate in data collection, audits, and performance improvement projects. This task is usually performed by the nursing administration or a designated quality improvement coordinator.

10. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The nurse is educated on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and how to effectively communicate and work with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, therapists, social workers, and case managers. This task is typically performed by the nurse’s supervisor or a designated team leader.

11. Review of Safety Protocols: The nurse is trained on safety protocols specific to their role, such as infection control measures, handling hazardous materials, and emergency response procedures. This task is usually performed by the nursing administration or a designated staff member.

12. Introduction to Continuing Education Opportunities: The nurse is informed about the facility’s continuing education opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, online courses, and certifications relevant to their practice. This task is typically performed by the nursing education department or a designated staff member.

13. Introduction to Ethical Guidelines: The nurse is educated on ethical guidelines and principles that govern their practice, such as patient confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries. This task is usually performed by the nursing administration or a designated ethics committee member.

14. Review of Cultural Competence: The nurse receives training on cultural competence, including how to provide culturally sensitive care, respect diversity, and address health disparities. This task is typically performed by the nursing administration or a designated cultural competence trainer.

15. Introduction to Case Management: If applicable, the nurse is introduced to the facility’s case management system and trained on how to coordinate care, collaborate with other healthcare providers, and advocate for patients’ needs. This task is usually performed by the nursing administration or a designated case management coordinator.

16. Review of Emergency Preparedness: The nurse is educated on emergency preparedness protocols, including disaster response plans, evacuation procedures, and communication strategies during emergencies. This task is typically performed by the nursing administration or a designated emergency preparedness coordinator.

17. Introduction to Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI): The nurse is introduced to the facility’s QAPI program, including how to participate in data collection, analyze outcomes, and implement quality improvement initiatives. This task is usually performed by the nursing administration or a designated QAPI coordinator.

18. Review of Professional Development Opportunities: The nurse is informed about professional development opportunities, such as membership in professional organizations, participation in research projects, and opportunities for career advancement within the company. This task is typically performed by the nursing administration or a designated staff member.

19. Introduction to Patient Education Resources: The nurse is provided with information on patient education resources available within the facility, such as brochures, videos, and online materials, to support their role in health promotion and disease prevention. This task is usually performed by the nursing administration or a designated patient education coordinator.

20. Review of HIPAA Compliance: The nurse is trained on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, including patient privacy and confidentiality requirements, as well as the facility’s policies and procedures related to HIPAA compliance. This task is typically performed by the nursing administration or a designated HIPAA compliance officer

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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