Registered Nurse (Perioperative) Onboarding Checklist

Registered Nurse (Perioperative) Onboarding Process

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

Registered Nurse (Perioperative) 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. Facility Tour: The RN is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including the perioperative department, operating rooms, recovery areas, and other relevant areas. This task is usually performed by a nurse manager or a designated staff member.

3. Introduction to Team Members: The RN is introduced to their perioperative team members, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technologists, and other nurses. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

4. Review of Policies and Procedures: The RN is provided with a comprehensive review of the perioperative department’s policies and procedures, including infection control protocols, medication administration guidelines, and emergency response plans. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

5. Training on Equipment and Technology: The RN receives training on the specific equipment and technology used in the perioperative department, such as surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, and electronic health record systems. This task is typically performed by experienced perioperative nurses or equipment specialists.

6. Introduction to Documentation Systems: The RN is trained on the documentation systems used in the perioperative department, including electronic charting and patient record management. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

7. Review of Safety Protocols: The RN undergoes training on safety protocols specific to the perioperative setting, including surgical site infection prevention, patient positioning, and fire safety. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

8. Review of Emergency Procedures: The RN is educated on emergency procedures and codes specific to the perioperative department, such as code blue (cardiac arrest) or code red (fire). This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

9. Shadowing Experienced Nurses: The new RN shadows experienced perioperative nurses to observe and learn the workflow, patient care techniques, and communication skills required in the perioperative setting. This task is typically performed by experienced perioperative nurses or designated preceptors.

10. Hands-on Training: The RN receives hands-on training in various perioperative procedures, such as surgical scrubbing, gowning, gloving, and sterile technique. This task is usually performed by experienced perioperative nurses or designated preceptors.

11. Introduction to Surgeons’ Preferences: The RN is introduced to the preferences and expectations of different surgeons regarding patient care, surgical techniques, and equipment usage. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

12. Review of Perioperative Policies and Guidelines: The RN is provided with a thorough review of the perioperative department’s policies and guidelines, including patient consent, surgical time-outs, and surgical site marking. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

13. Training on Medication Administration: The RN undergoes training on medication administration protocols specific to the perioperative setting, including anesthesia medications, antibiotics, and pain management drugs. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

14. Introduction to Perioperative Documentation: The RN is trained on the specific documentation requirements in the perioperative department, including preoperative assessments, intraoperative records, and postoperative care documentation. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

15. Review of Infection Control Practices: The RN receives training on infection control practices and protocols specific to the perioperative setting, including hand hygiene, aseptic technique, and sterilization procedures. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated infection control nurse.

16. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The RN is introduced to the organization’s quality improvement initiatives and encouraged to actively participate in data collection, audits, and performance improvement projects. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated quality improvement coordinator.

17. Review of Professional Standards and Ethics: The RN is provided with a review of the professional standards and ethics expected in the perioperative nursing profession, including patient confidentiality, advocacy, and maintaining professional boundaries. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

18. Ongoing Education and Training: The RN is informed about the organization’s ongoing education and training opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and online courses, to enhance their knowledge and skills in perioperative nursing. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated education coordinator.

19. Introduction to Support Services: The RN is introduced to the various support services available within the healthcare facility, such as social work, chaplaincy, and interpreter services, to ensure comprehensive patient care. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated staff member.

20. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: The RN is informed about the organization’s performance evaluation process and provided with regular feedback to support their professional growth and development. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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