Surgical Nurse Onboarding Checklist

Surgical Nurse Onboarding Process

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

Surgical Nurse Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new surgical nurse 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. Facility Tour: The new surgical nurse is given a tour of the healthcare facility, including the surgical 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 new surgical nurse is introduced to their colleagues, including other nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and support staff. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

4. Review of Policies and Procedures: The new surgical nurse is provided with a comprehensive review of the facility’s policies and procedures related to surgical nursing, including infection control, medication administration, and emergency protocols. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

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

6. Shadowing Experienced Nurses: The new surgical nurse shadows experienced nurses to observe and learn the workflow, patient care techniques, and communication skills specific to the surgical department. This task is usually performed by experienced nurses or designated preceptors.

7. Review of Patient Safety Protocols: The new surgical nurse undergoes training on patient safety protocols, including surgical site verification, time-out procedures, and prevention of surgical site infections. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

8. Familiarization with Emergency Procedures: The new surgical nurse is trained on emergency procedures specific to the surgical department, such as responding to cardiac arrests, managing anesthesia emergencies, and handling equipment malfunctions. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

9. Introduction to Documentation Systems: The new surgical nurse is introduced to the facility’s documentation systems, including electronic health records and surgical documentation tools. They learn how to accurately and efficiently document patient care. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

10. Review of Infection Control Practices: The new surgical nurse undergoes training on infection control practices, including hand hygiene, sterile technique, and proper disposal of biohazardous materials. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated infection control nurse.

11. Review of Medication Administration: The new surgical nurse receives training on medication administration protocols, including safe medication handling, dosage calculations, and the use of medication administration devices. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

12. Introduction to Surgical Specialties: The new surgical nurse is provided with an overview of the different surgical specialties and procedures performed in the facility. They learn about the unique requirements and considerations for each specialty. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

13. Review of Ethical and Legal Considerations: The new surgical nurse undergoes training on ethical and legal considerations in surgical nursing, including patient confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator.

14. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The new surgical nurse is introduced to the facility’s quality improvement initiatives, including participation in audits, reporting adverse events, and implementing evidence-based practices. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated quality improvement coordinator.

15. Ongoing Education and Professional Development: The new surgical nurse is informed about the facility’s ongoing education and professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and certification programs. They are encouraged to pursue continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated educator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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