Psychiatric Nurse Onboarding Checklist

Psychiatric Nurse Onboarding Process

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

Psychiatric Nurse Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new psychiatric nurse attends a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. 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 other nurses, doctors, and support staff. This task is usually facilitated by the nurse manager or team leader.

3. Facility Tour: The nurse is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including the psychiatric unit, patient rooms, medication rooms, and other relevant areas. This task is typically performed by a designated staff member or the nurse manager.

4. Review of Policies and Procedures: The nurse is provided with a comprehensive review of the company’s policies and procedures related to patient care, safety protocols, documentation, and medication administration. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

5. Training on Electronic Medical Records (EMR): The nurse receives training on the specific electronic medical records system used by the company. This includes learning how to document patient information, access records, and navigate the system efficiently. The training is typically conducted by the IT department or a designated EMR trainer.

6. Introduction to Safety Protocols: The nurse is educated on safety protocols specific to the psychiatric unit, such as de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and emergency response procedures. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

7. Review of Medication Administration: The nurse undergoes training on medication administration protocols, including proper dosage calculations, medication storage, and documentation. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

8. Shadowing Experienced Nurses: The new nurse spends time shadowing experienced psychiatric nurses to observe their workflow, patient interactions, and best practices. This task is usually coordinated by the nurse manager or preceptor.

9. Introduction to Patient Population: The nurse is provided with information about the specific patient population they will be working with, including common psychiatric diagnoses, treatment modalities, and therapeutic approaches. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

10. Review of Documentation Requirements: The nurse is educated on the specific documentation requirements for psychiatric patients, including assessment forms, progress notes, and treatment plans. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

11. Training on Restraint and Seclusion: The nurse receives training on the appropriate use of restraint and seclusion techniques, as well as the legal and ethical considerations surrounding these interventions. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

12. Introduction to Support Services: The nurse is introduced to the various support services available within the healthcare facility, such as social workers, occupational therapists, and psychologists. This task is usually facilitated by the nurse manager or a designated staff member.

13. Review of Infection Control Practices: The nurse undergoes training on infection control practices specific to the psychiatric unit, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and isolation precautions. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

14. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The nurse is provided with information about the company’s quality improvement initiatives and their role in ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

15. Review of Ethical Guidelines: The nurse is educated on the ethical guidelines and principles that govern psychiatric nursing practice, including confidentiality, autonomy, and informed consent. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

16. Introduction to Continuing Education Opportunities: The nurse is informed about the various continuing education opportunities available to enhance their knowledge and skills in psychiatric nursing. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

17. Review of Emergency Codes and Procedures: The nurse is trained on the emergency codes and procedures specific to the healthcare facility, such as code blue (cardiac arrest) or code gray (violent or aggressive patient). This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

18. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration: The nurse is introduced to the concept of interdisciplinary team collaboration and the importance of effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. This task is usually facilitated by the nurse manager or a designated staff member.

19. Review of Professional Standards and Scope of Practice: The nurse is educated on the professional standards and scope of practice for psychiatric nursing, including legal and ethical considerations. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

20. Introduction to Employee Benefits: The nurse is provided with information about the company’s employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This task is usually coordinated by the human resources department or a designated benefits coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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