Respiratory Therapist Onboarding Checklist

Respiratory Therapist Onboarding Process

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

Respiratory Therapist Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new respiratory therapist attends a comprehensive orientation program that introduces them to the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Credentialing and Licensing: The respiratory therapist completes all necessary paperwork and requirements to obtain and maintain their professional credentials and state licensure. This task is usually managed by the respiratory therapy department or a designated credentialing specialist.

3. Equipment and Supply Training: The new respiratory therapist receives training on the proper use and maintenance of equipment and supplies specific to their role. This task is typically performed by experienced respiratory therapists or equipment specialists.

4. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Training: The respiratory therapist undergoes training on the company’s EMR system to ensure accurate and efficient documentation of patient care. This task is usually conducted by the health information management department or a designated EMR trainer.

5. Policies and Procedures Review: The new respiratory therapist reviews and familiarizes themselves with the company’s policies and procedures related to patient care, safety, infection control, and other relevant areas. This task is typically performed independently by the therapist, with support from the respiratory therapy department or a designated policy coordinator.

6. Team Introductions: The respiratory therapist is introduced to their colleagues and key members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists. This task is usually facilitated by the respiratory therapy department or a designated team leader.

7. Shadowing and Preceptorship: The new respiratory therapist shadows experienced therapists and undergoes a preceptorship program to observe and learn from their peers. This task is typically coordinated by the respiratory therapy department or a designated preceptor.

8. Continuing Education Opportunities: The respiratory therapist is informed about the company’s continuing education programs and resources to support their professional development. This task is usually managed by the respiratory therapy department or a designated education coordinator.

9. Safety and Emergency Preparedness Training: The new respiratory therapist receives training on safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and infection control measures to ensure a safe working environment. This task is typically conducted by the company’s safety department or a designated safety officer.

10. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The respiratory therapist is provided with clear performance expectations and informed about the company’s evaluation process. This task is typically performed by the respiratory therapy department or a designated supervisor.

11. Patient Population and Care Protocols: The new respiratory therapist learns about the specific patient population they will be working with and the care protocols and guidelines relevant to their role. This task is typically facilitated by the respiratory therapy department or a designated clinical educator.

12. Shift Scheduling and Timekeeping: The respiratory therapist is trained on the company’s shift scheduling system and timekeeping procedures to ensure accurate recording of their work hours. This task is usually managed by the respiratory therapy department or a designated scheduling coordinator.

13. Infection Control Training: The new respiratory therapist undergoes training on infection control practices, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and isolation precautions. This task is typically conducted by the infection control department or a designated infection control specialist.

14. Quality Improvement Initiatives: The respiratory therapist is introduced to the company’s quality improvement initiatives and encouraged to actively participate in identifying and implementing process improvements. This task is typically facilitated by the respiratory therapy department or a designated quality improvement coordinator.

15. Patient Privacy and Confidentiality Training: The new respiratory therapist receives training on patient privacy and confidentiality regulations, including HIPAA compliance. This task is usually conducted by the health information management department or a designated privacy officer.

16. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The respiratory therapist is encouraged to collaborate and communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care. This task is typically emphasized by the respiratory therapy department or a designated interdisciplinary team leader.

17. Professional Code of Conduct: The new respiratory therapist is educated on the professional code of conduct and ethical standards expected in their role. This task is typically performed by the respiratory therapy department or a designated ethics committee.

18. Performance Feedback and Coaching: The respiratory therapist receives ongoing performance feedback and coaching to support their professional growth and development. This task is typically performed by the respiratory therapy department or a designated supervisor or mentor.

19. Emergency Response Training: The new respiratory therapist undergoes training on emergency response protocols, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced life support techniques. This task is usually conducted by the respiratory therapy department or a designated emergency response trainer.

20. Patient Education Resources: The respiratory therapist is provided with patient education resources and materials to effectively educate and empower patients and their families. This task is typically managed by the respiratory therapy department or a designated patient education coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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