2.6 Induction and orientation guide
This section of the resource is designed to provide you with
support and information for the induction and orientation of the
nurse newly recruited to your practice.
It also includes professional issues related to:
• scope of practice and supervision of an enrolled nurse
(RN Division 2 in Victoria)
• competency standards
• professional development
• performance review.
An induction checklist is provided.
Please note that just as you may not have employed a nurse
for your practice previously and therefore need to plan for the
changes that will occur, the nurse recruited to your practice
may not have worked in general practice before. It will represent
a significant and exciting change for the nurse who will need
to learn about the practice population, how general practice
is conducted, the associated systems, and how the general
practice clinical team will work together. You will need to take
this into account.
Orientation information
When employing a nurse in general practice appropriate infrastructures will help sustain the nurse’s position. This
might include:
• guidelines of administrative structures and processes such as lines of authority
• human resource management, for example, position
descriptions, how to apply for leave, etc
• provision of appropriate work space and equipment
• information and record management systems within the
practice
• a safe environment
• quality assurance processes
• support from the employer for professional learning
and development, such as the opportunity for relevant
continuing education
• a practice based policy manual.
Induction process
Prior to commencement: ensure that a contract of employment has been received; agree with the new employee on a start date
and time and contact person. Prepare an agenda for the first
day’s activities and arrange for introductions to staff and times
for meeting other staff involved in the induction. A plan for the
first three months should also be prepared at this time. The
following induction checklist provides an overview and details
of an induction plan.
Induction checklist
The induction checklist provides structure and guidelines for
the induction period. It is a checklist of tasks and information
that should be followed by the practice to ensure the newly
employed practice nurse has been provided with all the
necessary information to be able to undertake his or her role
effectively. The checklist is available in electronic form so it can
be tailored to the specific needs of your practice (see templates,
section 2.11). An overview of the suggested induction process
covering the first three months follows:
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