Induction and training

Improving your practice

1. On joining, a staff member needs to learn about the organisation and its culture, and their own roles and responsibilities. If the size of the practice allows, a formal orientation and induction program should be used by the management team, supervisors and senior staff to assist in the induction and orientation of new staff members. A copy of the program should be given to the staff member on their first day.
2. The new staff member should be given a position description that outlines their roles and responsibilities. The new staff member should also have a written contract setting out the terms and conditions of their engagement. The position description and contract should also be used for ongoing performance review.
3. Other relevant information should be provided to enable the new staff member to function successfully in their specific role as a member of the team, including but not limited to the practice's policy and guideline manual, relevant health and safety issues, the maintenance of privacy and confidentiality of patient information, relevant local health and cultural issues and internal and external service provision. It is also important that the new staff member understands how they can contribute to the overall operation of the practice.
4. If the size of the practice allows, new staff members should aim to complete an action plan and checklist contained in the orientation and induction program within the first two weeks of commencing the role, to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of their role and the function of the practice.
5. The orientation and induction program includes the following areas:
    

   Tools and Resources

   Download the Induction & Documentation checklist

   Download the Orientation & Induction Program template

   1. General information

      Staff should participate in a general orientation to the practice environment and procedures as per related checklist.

   2. Organisational structure

      Staff should be introduced to the relevant team members and managers as per related checklist.

   3. Policies, guidelines and procedures

      Staff should be shown the relevant policies, guidelines and procedures and given the time to familiarise themselves with the relevant ones, as per related checklist. A sign-off form should be available in the manual for the staff to sign as evidence that they have familiarised themselves with the relevant policies, guidelines and procedures and agree to abide by the same.

   4. Health and safety

      Staff should be given the time to familiarise themselves with the relevant policies, guidelines and procedures.

   5. Specific training requirements

      Staff should be informed of the specific training and education requirements to perform their role. Clinical staff should comply with the relevant specific organisation competency standard requirements.