Registered Nurse (Recovery) Onboarding Checklist

Registered Nurse (Recovery) Onboarding Process

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

Registered Nurse (Recovery) Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new registered nurse (RN) in the recovery department undergoes an orientation program to familiarize themselves with 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 Recovery Department: The RN is introduced to the recovery department, its team members, and their roles. They are given an overview of the department’s workflow, patient population, and specific responsibilities. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a senior nurse in the recovery department.

3. Review of Policies and Procedures: The new RN is provided with a comprehensive review of the recovery department’s policies and procedures, including infection control protocols, medication administration guidelines, and emergency response procedures. This task is typically performed by the nurse educator or a designated staff member responsible for policy and procedure training.

4. Training on Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System: The RN receives training on the company’s electronic medical records system, learning how to document patient care, access patient information, and navigate the system efficiently. This task is usually performed by the health information technology department or a designated EMR trainer.

5. Equipment and Supply Orientation: The RN is familiarized with the equipment and supplies used in the recovery department, including monitoring devices, medication administration tools, and emergency equipment. They learn how to properly use, maintain, and troubleshoot these items. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated equipment and supply coordinator.

6. Shadowing Experienced RNs: The new RN shadows experienced recovery nurses to observe their workflow, patient interactions, and best practices. This allows them to gain practical knowledge and learn from experienced colleagues. This task is usually coordinated by the nurse manager or a designated preceptorship coordinator.

7. Review of Safety Protocols: The RN undergoes training on safety protocols specific to the recovery department, such as patient transfer techniques, infection control measures, and emergency response drills. This task is typically performed by the nurse educator or a designated staff member responsible for safety training.

8. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Team: The new RN is introduced to the interdisciplinary team members they will collaborate with, such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and social workers. They learn about each team member’s role and how to effectively communicate and collaborate with them. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated team coordinator.

9. Review of Quality Improvement Initiatives: The RN is educated on the company’s quality improvement initiatives, including data collection, reporting, and participation in quality improvement projects. They learn how to contribute to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care. This task is typically performed by the quality improvement department or a designated quality improvement coordinator.

10. Introduction to Continuing Education Opportunities: The new RN is informed about the company’s continuing education opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses. They are encouraged to pursue professional development and maintain their licensure requirements. This task is usually performed by the nurse educator or a designated staff member responsible for continuing education.

11. Introduction to Employee Benefits: The RN is provided with information about the company’s employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development reimbursement. They learn how to access and utilize these benefits. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated benefits coordinator.

12. Performance Evaluation and Goal Setting: The RN meets with their supervisor to discuss performance expectations, establish goals, and set a timeline for performance evaluations. They receive guidance on how to track their progress and seek support when needed. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated performance management coordinator.

13. Introduction to Ethical and Legal Considerations: The RN receives training on ethical and legal considerations specific to their role, such as patient confidentiality, informed consent, and reporting obligations. They learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas and adhere to legal requirements. This task is usually performed by the nurse educator or a designated staff member responsible for ethics and legal compliance.

14. Introduction to Patient and Family Education: The RN is educated on the importance of patient and family education in the recovery department. They learn how to effectively communicate with patients and their families, provide necessary information, and address their concerns. This task is typically performed by the nurse educator or a designated patient education coordinator.

15. Introduction to Emergency Preparedness: The RN undergoes training on emergency preparedness protocols, including disaster response plans, code blue procedures, and evacuation protocols. They learn how to remain calm and respond effectively during emergency situations. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated emergency preparedness coordinator.

16. Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Practice: The RN is introduced to the importance of research and evidence-based practice in healthcare. They learn how to access and critically appraise research literature, apply evidence-based interventions, and contribute to research initiatives. This task is usually performed by the nurse educator or a designated research coordinator.

17. Introduction to Professional Organizations: The RN is informed about professional organizations relevant to their specialty, such as the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) or the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN). They learn about the benefits of membership and opportunities for professional networking. This task is typically performed by the nurse educator or a designated staff member responsible for professional affiliations.

18. Introduction to Employee Assistance Programs: The RN is provided with information about employee assistance programs that offer counseling, mental health support, and resources for personal well-being. They learn how to access these programs and seek support when needed. This task is usually performed by the human resources department or a designated employee assistance program coordinator.

19. Introduction to Infection Control Measures: The RN undergoes training on infection control measures specific to the recovery department, including hand hygiene protocols, personal protective equipment usage, and isolation precautions. They learn how to prevent the spread of infections and maintain a safe environment. This task is typically performed by the nurse educator or a designated infection control coordinator.

20. Introduction to Documentation and Charting: The RN receives training on proper documentation and charting practices, including accurate and timely recording of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes. They learn how to maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This task is usually performed by the nurse educator or a designated staff member responsible for documentation training

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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