In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Therapist. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Therapist checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Healthcare team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new 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 Therapist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Therapist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Orientation: The therapist attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.
2. Introduction to the Team: The therapist is introduced to their colleagues and key team members within the organization. This allows them to establish relationships, understand their roles, and foster collaboration. The task is usually performed by the team leader or supervisor.
3. Review of Clinical Documentation: The therapist is provided with an overview of the company’s clinical documentation requirements, including electronic health records (EHR) systems, progress notes, treatment plans, and other necessary documentation. This task is typically performed by the clinical director or a senior therapist.
4. Training on Therapeutic Techniques: The therapist receives training on the specific therapeutic techniques and interventions utilized within the organization. This may include evidence-based practices, specialized modalities, or unique approaches. The task is usually performed by a senior therapist or clinical supervisor.
5. Familiarization with Company Policies and Procedures: The therapist is educated on the company’s policies and procedures related to confidentiality, ethical guidelines, professional boundaries, and any other relevant policies. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated compliance officer.
6. Introduction to Electronic Systems: The therapist is trained on how to navigate and effectively use the company’s electronic systems, such as EHR, scheduling software, billing systems, and other technology platforms. This task is usually performed by the IT department or a designated trainer.
7. Review of Safety Protocols: The therapist is briefed on safety protocols and emergency procedures within the workplace, including fire safety, evacuation plans, and any specific safety measures related to the healthcare setting. This task is typically performed by the facilities management team or a designated safety officer.
8. Introduction to Supervision and Case Consultation: The therapist is informed about the company’s supervision and case consultation processes, including how to seek guidance, discuss challenging cases, and receive feedback on their clinical work. This task is typically performed by the clinical director or a designated supervisor.
9. Review of Ethical Guidelines: The therapist is provided with an overview of the ethical guidelines and professional standards specific to their occupation, such as those set by professional associations or licensing boards. This task is typically performed by the clinical director or a designated ethics officer.
10. Introduction to Company Resources: The therapist is introduced to various resources available within the company, such as referral networks, community partnerships, continuing education opportunities, and professional development resources. This task is typically performed by the clinical director or a designated resource coordinator.
11. Review of Documentation and Billing Procedures: The therapist is educated on the company’s documentation and billing procedures, including insurance requirements, coding guidelines, and any specific documentation templates or forms. This task is typically performed by the billing department or a designated billing coordinator.
12. Introduction to Quality Improvement Initiatives: The therapist is informed about the company’s quality improvement initiatives, including data collection, outcome measures, and performance improvement projects. This task is typically performed by the quality improvement department or a designated quality improvement coordinator.
13. Introduction to Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The therapist is introduced to other healthcare professionals within the organization, such as physicians, nurses, social workers, or occupational therapists, to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance patient care. This task is typically performed by the team leader or supervisor.
14. Review of Professional Development Opportunities: The therapist is provided with information on professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, webinars, or in-house training programs, to support their ongoing learning and growth. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated professional development coordinator.
15. Introduction to Company Culture and Values: The therapist is immersed in the company’s culture and values, including its commitment to patient-centered care, diversity and inclusion, and any other core values. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated culture ambassador.
These onboarding tasks aim to ensure a smooth transition for therapists joining a new healthcare company, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to provide high-quality care within the organization
From reading through the items in the example Therapist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new 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.
