Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Onboarding Checklist

Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Onboarding Process

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

Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new registered nurse (RN) attends a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to the organization’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Mental Health Unit: The RN is introduced to the mental health unit where they will be working. They are given a tour of the facility, introduced to the staff, and provided with an overview of the unit’s operations. The unit manager or a senior nurse on the unit usually performs this task.

3. Review of Policies and Procedures: The RN is provided with a copy of the organization’s policies and procedures specific to mental health nursing. They are expected to review and familiarize themselves with these guidelines to ensure they adhere to the highest standards of care. This task is typically performed by the unit manager or a designated educator.

4. Training on Electronic Health Records (EHR): The RN receives training on the organization’s electronic health record system, which is used to document patient care. They learn how to navigate the system, input data, and retrieve patient information. This training is usually conducted by the organization’s IT department or a designated EHR trainer.

5. Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Team: The RN is introduced to the interdisciplinary team members they will be working with, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists. They learn about each team member’s role and how they collaborate to provide comprehensive care. The unit manager or a senior nurse on the unit typically facilitates this introduction.

6. Review of Safety Protocols: The RN undergoes training on safety protocols specific to mental health nursing, including de-escalation techniques, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention. They learn how to identify and respond to potential safety risks to ensure the well-being of both patients and staff. This training is usually conducted by the unit manager or a designated educator.

7. Medication Administration Training: The RN receives training on the safe administration of medications commonly used in mental health settings. They learn about medication interactions, side effects, and proper documentation procedures. This training is typically conducted by the unit manager or a designated pharmacist.

8. Shadowing Experienced Nurses: The new RN shadows experienced mental health nurses to observe their clinical practice, gain insight into the unit’s workflow, and learn best practices. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the unit’s routines and build confidence in their role. The unit manager or a senior nurse on the unit usually arranges these shadowing opportunities.

9. Participation in Team Meetings: The RN is encouraged to actively participate in team meetings where patient care plans, treatment goals, and progress are discussed. This allows them to contribute their expertise, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, and stay updated on patient care. The unit manager or a designated team leader typically facilitates these meetings.

10. Ongoing Professional Development: The RN is encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses related to mental health nursing. This helps them stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices and enhances their knowledge and skills. The unit manager or a designated educator may provide guidance and support in identifying relevant professional development opportunities

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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