For the employer

Before day one

Make sure the employee is scheduled for a meeting with the human resources team to be fitted for uniforms, review our employee manual and build and understanding of some basic ground rules for the dress code and appearance to patients before her or his first day on the job. We also connect the employee to the new supervisor to tour the workspace.

Getting settled

Keep in mind that the first day at a new practice, particularly for technicians who are new to healthcare, can be daunting. Supervisors can make them feel welcome by warmly greeting at the front desk when they arrive.

We dedicate a new technician’s first day to the details of orientation. These include a tour of the practice, introductions and a tutorial of our time clock. New employees are also given a list of important contacts who can answer questions about HR matters and payroll.

Physician introductions

Regardless of the department, it is important that all staff can credential the physicians and are all well versed in the procedures they perform. As part of our employee integration process, a trainer will review our list of physicians and the services our practice provide.

We have found that a key in our new employees’ success is being connected to our physicians. We encourage our physicians to seek out our employees. We’ve found that it’s critical that our physicians make a point to know new employees and to make them feel valued and appreciated. Building this connection may include an invitation to the operating room to watch a surgery. Regardless of the employee’s position, seeing a surgery makes a statement that the employee is valued. It connects the purpose of his or her daily roles to the patients’ outcomes.

Assimilation

Many of our technician hires are recent college graduates who are looking for their career niche. In many cases, in addition to learning a new trade, they need to learn to assimilate in the work place. By explaining the history of our company, we start to develop a sense of company pride and loyalty and connect the importance of their jobs to patient care.

For the new employee

Look professional

Starting a new practice can be an overwhelming experience. For many of our new hires, their first day at work is their first experience in a professional work environment. On that day, we ask our new employees to come dressed according to code, wearing their name badge, and prepared to learn. Because appearance matters, contact the HR department at your new place of employment prior to your first day and ask about proper attire.

Be prepared to learn

Often, the first day is spent in orientation, learning the many rules of compliance that govern our practices. While the orientation process can be tedious for new staff, it is also critical.

On subsequent days, we encourage new employees to get to know the physicians they work with, including the nature of the physicians’ practices and the procedures and services we offer. Coming to work prepared with a pen and notebook is an excellent start to assimilate all the new information we put out. Note taking is a sign of employee engagement.

Mentorship

As our new technicians begin to see patients, the amount of new information can be overwhelming. It is important to identify a mentor. We try to pair new employees to more experienced staff members who have a similar learning style. This allows technicians to have a safe haven to ask “newbie” questions and learn the ropes of the practice. New technicians are encouraged to reach out to their mentors for help and guidance when it comes to patient care issues, HR questions, and matters regarding our culture and workplace.

Asking question

Finally, I always tell new staff that one of the most important roles of an accomplished technician is to “know when to ask the question.” We want new staff to apply what they know to new situations. However, it is equally important that new staff understand how to recognize that they are in unchartered territory, and need guidance.

We make a point to welcome questions at this level and encourage our technicians to ask questions. Following these principles can set the stage for an excellent work relationship.