Patient Care Technician Onboarding Checklist

Patient Care Technician Onboarding Process

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

Patient Care Technician Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Patient Care Technician (PCT) attends a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Facility Tour: The PCT is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including the different departments, patient care areas, and support services. This task is usually performed by a member of the nursing or administrative staff.

3. Introduction to Team: The PCT is introduced to their immediate team members, including nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals they will be working closely with. This task is typically performed by the PCT’s supervisor or a designated team leader.

4. Review of Job Description: The PCT is provided with a detailed review of their job description, including their responsibilities, duties, and performance expectations. This task is usually performed by the PCT’s supervisor or the nursing manager.

5. Training on Equipment and Technology: The PCT receives training on the proper use of medical equipment, such as blood pressure monitors, EKG machines, and patient monitoring systems. They also receive training on electronic health record systems and other technology used in the healthcare setting. This task is typically performed by experienced PCTs or the hospital’s training department.

6. Safety and Infection Control Training: The PCT undergoes training on safety protocols, infection control measures, and proper handling of hazardous materials. This task is usually performed by the hospital’s infection control nurse or a designated safety officer.

7. CPR and Basic Life Support Certification: The PCT is required to obtain certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and Basic Life Support (BLS) to ensure they can respond effectively in emergency situations. This task is typically performed by certified instructors or the hospital’s training department.

8. Shadowing Experienced PCTs: The new PCT shadows experienced colleagues to observe and learn from their daily tasks, interactions with patients, and best practices. This task is usually coordinated by the PCT’s supervisor or a designated preceptor.

9. Introduction to Policies and Procedures: The PCT is provided with an overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to patient care, documentation, privacy, and confidentiality. This task is typically performed by the nursing manager or a designated staff member.

10. HIPAA Training: The PCT undergoes training on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations to ensure they understand the importance of patient privacy and confidentiality. This task is usually performed by the hospital’s compliance officer or a designated HIPAA trainer.

11. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Training: The PCT receives training on effective communication techniques, active listening, and building rapport with patients and their families. This task is typically performed by the hospital’s education department or a designated communication skills trainer.

12. Introduction to Emergency Codes and Procedures: The PCT is familiarized with the hospital’s emergency codes and procedures, including fire drills, code blue (cardiac arrest), code red (fire), and code gray (violent behavior). This task is usually performed by the hospital’s safety officer or a designated emergency preparedness coordinator.

13. Documentation and Charting Training: The PCT receives training on proper documentation and charting practices, including electronic health record systems, patient assessments, vital signs recording, and incident reporting. This task is typically performed by the nursing manager or a designated documentation trainer.

14. Introduction to Patient Rights and Advocacy: The PCT is educated on patient rights, including informed consent, privacy, and the importance of advocating for patients’ needs and preferences. This task is usually performed by the hospital’s patient advocate or a designated patient rights coordinator.

15. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: The PCT is informed about the company’s performance evaluation process, including the frequency of evaluations, criteria for assessment, and opportunities for feedback and professional development. This task is typically performed by the PCT’s supervisor or the nursing manager

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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