When preparing for the arrival of a physician, advanced practice provider, or CRNA, undoubtedly, you want to ensure the new clinician feels welcome, comfortable, and equipped. Here are seven steps to make a provider’s arrival at your hospital or health system a thoroughly positive experience.
- Begin the process before the start date. Give the provider an overview of who he or she will be working with, and send him or her a map of the building with parking instructions and preferred point(s) of entry. In addition, arrange for someone to meet the new hire at a predetermined location. Be sure to tell the provider the greeter’s name, title, and contact information; time to arrive; and whether to pack lunch and/or another meal.
- Prepare your current staff for the provider’s arrival. Advise everyone who needs to be aware of it that a new employee will be coming into your organization. If you opt to make the announcement via a digital newsletter or email, consider adding a headshot photo of the clinician and a brief bio, too.
- Extend an enthusiastic “welcome aboard!” Take the provider around and make introductions to the staff members he or she will be working with and other employees. You may choose to take it further by bringing in a healthy, “getting to know you” breakfast or hosting an informal lunch, giving team members a chance to introduce themselves and talk a little about their roles. Either scenario can help the new hire feel a part of the team and assimilate more quickly.
- Give a tour of the facility as well as the department, if the job is within a hospital or health system. Having a good sense of his or her new practice environment—as well as where supplies, equipment, and other essentials are kept—will help the provider feel more at home and prepared to work.
- Designate a mentor or “buddy.” Although the provider will receive an orientation, questions are bound to arise as he or she becomes accustomed to a new setting. Having a dedicated contact person who can readily provide answers and direction will go a long way toward putting him or her at ease.
- Equip the provider for success. Collect all the items he or she will need to practice—from an ID card and keys to parking permit and security pass—and present them to the provider on day one. In addition, make sure the clinician has email access, along with a secure login and temporary password, and a phone number and extension, if applicable. Additionally, assemble a binder of important items like organizational policies and procedures, facility phone directory, list of commonly used medical codes, reference material, operations overview, org chart, and other resources helpful to have on hand.
- Provide a thorough orientation. While its length can vary based on factors like practice or facility size, make certain the new clinician has a comprehensive orientation and keen understanding of what is needed to do his or her job. For instance, ensure the provider knows how to use your electronic health record (EHR) system, coding guidelines, and phone system.
Contact Optimum Permanent Placement Services at 603.288.1473 for assistance with your permanent staffing needs, and read our blog for helpful information and insights.
