Registered Occupational Therapist Onboarding Checklist

Registered Occupational Therapist Onboarding Process

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

Registered Occupational Therapist Onboarding Checklist

1. Employee orientation: This task involves providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. It includes introducing the new occupational therapist to key personnel, explaining the organizational structure, and providing an overview of the company’s mission and values. The human resources department typically performs this task.

2. Review of job responsibilities: In this task, the new occupational therapist is provided with a detailed description of their job responsibilities, including the specific tasks they will be expected to perform, the clients they will work with, and any specialized areas they will focus on. This task is typically performed by the hiring manager or supervisor.

3. Training on electronic medical records (EMR) system: As healthcare relies heavily on electronic documentation, it is crucial for the new occupational therapist to receive training on the company’s EMR system. This task involves learning how to navigate the system, input client information, document treatment sessions, and access relevant patient data. The company’s IT department or a designated trainer typically performs this task.

4. Introduction to interdisciplinary team: Occupational therapists often work as part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and speech therapists. This task involves introducing the new occupational therapist to the members of the team, explaining their roles, and fostering effective communication and collaboration. The supervisor or team leader typically performs this task.

5. Review of company policies and procedures: It is essential for the new occupational therapist to be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures related to patient care, safety protocols, infection control, documentation, and ethical guidelines. This task involves reviewing and signing off on these policies, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The human resources department or a designated compliance officer typically performs this task.

6. Orientation to facility and equipment: This task involves familiarizing the new occupational therapist with the physical layout of the facility, including treatment rooms, therapy equipment, and safety features. It also includes training on the proper use and maintenance of equipment, ensuring the therapist can provide safe and effective treatment. The supervisor or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

7. Introduction to billing and insurance processes: As healthcare reimbursement is often complex, it is important for the new occupational therapist to understand the company’s billing and insurance processes. This task involves training on how to accurately document and code services, submit claims, and navigate insurance requirements. The billing department or a designated billing specialist typically performs this task.

8. Review of professional development opportunities: Occupational therapists are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge. This task involves providing information on continuing education opportunities, conferences, workshops, and resources available to support the therapist’s professional growth. The supervisor or a designated professional development coordinator typically performs this task.

9. Introduction to quality improvement initiatives: Many healthcare organizations have quality improvement initiatives in place to enhance patient outcomes and optimize care delivery. This task involves introducing the new occupational therapist to these initiatives, explaining their role in data collection, performance improvement, and adherence to evidence-based practices. The quality improvement department or a designated quality improvement coordinator typically performs this task.

10. Mentoring and support: To facilitate a smooth transition, it is beneficial for the new occupational therapist to have a mentor or a designated colleague who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support. This task involves pairing the new therapist with an experienced colleague who can help them navigate the company’s culture, policies, and procedures. The supervisor or a designated mentorship coordinator typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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