Registered Nurse (Gerontology) Onboarding Checklist

Registered Nurse (Gerontology) Onboarding Process

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

Registered Nurse (Gerontology) Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new registered nurse (RN) in gerontology attends a comprehensive orientation program conducted by the human resources department. This program introduces the nurse to the organization’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. It also covers important information such as employee benefits, safety protocols, and compliance requirements. The HR department is responsible for conducting the orientation program.

2. Facility Tour: The RN is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including the gerontology unit, to familiarize themselves with the layout, equipment, and resources available. This task is typically performed by a nurse manager or a designated staff member.

3. Introduction to the Team: The RN is introduced to the interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals. This allows the nurse to understand the roles and responsibilities of each team member and fosters collaboration. The nurse manager or a designated team leader usually facilitates these introductions.

4. Review of Policies and Procedures: The RN is provided with a comprehensive review of the organization’s policies and procedures specific to gerontology care. This includes protocols for medication administration, infection control, documentation, patient safety, and emergency response. The nurse manager or a designated nurse educator is responsible for conducting this review.

5. Training on Electronic Health Records (EHR): As most healthcare facilities utilize electronic health record systems, the RN receives training on how to navigate and document patient care in the EHR system. This training is typically provided by the organization’s IT department or a designated EHR trainer.

6. Shadowing Experienced Nurses: The new RN is paired with an experienced nurse in the gerontology unit to observe and learn from their practice. This allows the new nurse to gain insights into the unit’s workflow, patient care routines, and best practices. The nurse manager or a designated preceptor coordinates this shadowing experience.

7. Review of Gerontology-Specific Protocols: The RN receives a detailed review of gerontology-specific protocols, such as fall prevention, dementia care, pain management, and end-of-life care. This ensures that the nurse is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide specialized care to older adults. The nurse manager or a designated nurse educator conducts this review.

8. Infection Control Training: Infection control is crucial in healthcare settings, and the RN receives training on proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and infection prevention measures specific to gerontology care. This training is typically conducted by the infection control nurse or a designated staff member.

9. Medication Administration Training: The RN undergoes training on medication administration, including safe medication practices, dosage calculations, and the use of medication administration devices. This training is usually conducted by a nurse educator or a designated pharmacist.

10. CPR and Basic Life Support Certification: The RN is required to obtain or renew their CPR and basic life support (BLS) certification. This training ensures that the nurse is prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies and provide life-saving interventions. The organization’s nurse educator or a certified CPR instructor conducts this training.

11. Documentation and Charting Training: The RN receives training on accurate and timely documentation of patient care in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. This includes understanding the organization’s documentation system, charting standards, and privacy regulations. The nurse manager or a designated nurse educator provides this training.

12. Continuing Education Opportunities: The RN is informed about the organization’s continuing education programs, conferences, and workshops related to gerontology care. This encourages professional development and ensures the nurse stays updated with the latest advancements in the field. The nurse manager or the organization’s education department provides information on these opportunities.

13. Introduction to Gerontology-Specific Equipment: The RN is introduced to the specialized equipment used in gerontology care, such as mobility aids, pressure ulcer prevention devices, and assistive devices for activities of daily living. This introduction is typically conducted by the nurse manager or a designated staff member.

14. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: The RN is informed about the organization’s performance evaluation process and the frequency of feedback sessions. This ensures that the nurse understands the expectations and has a clear understanding of their performance goals. The nurse manager or a designated supervisor is responsible for conducting performance evaluations and providing feedback.

15. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The RN is introduced to the organization’s quality improvement initiatives, such as patient satisfaction surveys, infection control audits, and falls prevention programs. This allows the nurse to actively participate in improving the quality of care provided to gerontology patients. The nurse manager or a designated quality improvement coordinator provides this introduction.

16. Introduction to Ethical and Legal Considerations: The RN receives an overview of ethical and legal considerations specific to gerontology care, such as advance directives, patient autonomy, and end-of-life decision-making. This ensures that the nurse understands the importance of upholding ethical standards and complying with legal requirements. The nurse manager or a designated nurse educator conducts this introduction.

17. Introduction to Gerontology-Specific Policies: The RN is provided with an overview of gerontology-specific policies, such as restraint use, elder abuse reporting, and patient rights. This ensures that the nurse is aware of the organization’s policies and procedures related to gerontology care. The nurse manager or a designated nurse educator is responsible for providing this overview.

18. Introduction to Gerontology-Specific Resources: The RN is introduced to the resources available for gerontology care, such as specialized assessment tools, educational materials for patients and families, and community support services. This introduction is typically conducted by the nurse manager or a designated staff member.

19. Introduction to Emergency Response Protocols: The RN is familiarized with the organization’s emergency response protocols, including codes, evacuation procedures, and disaster management plans. This ensures that the nurse is prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations. The nurse manager or a designated staff member provides this introduction.

20. Introduction to Gerontology-Specific Research and Evidence-Based Practice: The RN is introduced to the importance of research and evidence-based practice in gerontology care. This includes understanding how to access and utilize research findings to improve patient outcomes. The nurse manager or a designated nurse educator provides this introduction

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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