Surgical Nurse Practitioner Onboarding Checklist

Surgical Nurse Practitioner Onboarding Process

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

Surgical Nurse Practitioner Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new surgical nurse practitioner attends a comprehensive orientation program that familiarizes them with the organization’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Facility Tour: The new surgical nurse practitioner 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 the Team: The new surgical nurse practitioner is introduced to their colleagues, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, other nurses, and support staff. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

4. Review of Job Responsibilities: The new surgical nurse practitioner receives a detailed overview of their job responsibilities, including patient care duties, documentation requirements, and any specific protocols or guidelines. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

5. Training on Equipment and Technology: The new surgical nurse practitioner undergoes training on the use of surgical equipment, instruments, and technology systems used in the healthcare facility. This task is typically performed by experienced surgical nurses or specialized trainers.

6. Review of Policies and Procedures: The new surgical nurse practitioner is provided with a comprehensive review of the organization’s policies and procedures related to infection control, patient safety, medication administration, and emergency protocols. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

7. Shadowing Experienced Practitioners: The new surgical nurse practitioner spends time shadowing experienced practitioners to observe and learn from their clinical expertise and best practices. This task is typically coordinated by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

8. Orientation to Electronic Health Records (EHR): The new surgical nurse practitioner receives training on the organization’s electronic health record system, including how to navigate, document patient information, and retrieve data. This task is usually performed by the healthcare facility’s IT department or a designated trainer.

9. Review of Safety Protocols: The new surgical nurse practitioner undergoes training on safety protocols, including proper handling of sharps, infection control measures, and emergency response procedures. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

10. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The new surgical nurse practitioner is introduced to the organization’s quality improvement initiatives, including participation in audits, data collection, and performance improvement projects. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated quality improvement coordinator.

11. Review of Continuing Education Opportunities: The new surgical nurse practitioner is informed about the organization’s continuing education opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses, to support their professional development. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated education coordinator.

12. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The new surgical nurse practitioner is introduced to the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork in the healthcare setting, including effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

13. Review of Ethical and Legal Considerations: The new surgical nurse practitioner receives education on ethical and legal considerations in healthcare, including patient confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated ethics committee member.

14. Introduction to Emergency Response Drills: The new surgical nurse practitioner participates in emergency response drills, such as code blue or disaster drills, to familiarize themselves with the organization’s emergency protocols and their role in such situations. This task is usually coordinated by the nurse manager or a designated safety officer.

15. Performance Evaluation and Goal Setting: The new surgical nurse practitioner meets with their supervisor to discuss performance expectations, establish goals, and set a timeline for performance evaluations. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated supervisor.

16. Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Practice: The new surgical nurse practitioner is introduced to the importance of research and evidence-based practice in healthcare, including opportunities for involvement in research projects or quality improvement initiatives. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated research coordinator.

17. Review of Patient Population and Specialties: The new surgical nurse practitioner receives education on the patient population they will be serving, including common surgical procedures, specific patient populations, and any specialized care requirements. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

18. Introduction to Professional Organizations: The new surgical nurse practitioner is informed about professional organizations relevant to their specialty, such as the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), and encouraged to join and participate in their activities. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated education coordinator.

19. Review of Documentation and Charting Requirements: The new surgical nurse practitioner undergoes training on the organization’s documentation and charting requirements, including electronic and paper-based systems, to ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient care. This task is typically performed by the nurse manager or a designated preceptor.

20. Introduction to Performance Improvement Initiatives: The new surgical nurse practitioner is introduced to the organization’s performance improvement initiatives, including data collection, analysis, and implementation of evidence-based practices to enhance patient outcomes. This task is usually performed by the nurse manager or a designated quality improvement coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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