TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift

The TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift are critical components of the onboarding process for new healthcare professionals joining the TriHealth organization. These experiences are designed to help new hires acclimate to their roles, responsibilities, and the TriHealth work environment, while also providing a strong foundation in the organization's mission, values, and patient-centered approach to care. The orientation offers a comprehensive introduction to TriHealth's policies, procedures, and resources, while the shadow shift allows new healthcare professionals to observe and learn from experienced colleagues in real-world clinical settings. By investing in these onboarding experiences, TriHealth demonstrates its commitment to supporting the success and professional development of its healthcare team, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a more cohesive, mission-driven organization.

What does the TriHealth Orientation involve?

The TriHealth Orientation is a multi-faceted program that typically includes the following elements:

1. Welcome and introductions: New healthcare professionals are welcomed to the organization and introduced to key leaders, managers, and colleagues who will support their onboarding and ongoing professional development.
2. Mission, values, and culture: An overview of TriHealth's mission, vision, values, and organizational culture, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
3. Policies and procedures: A review of essential policies and procedures related to patient care, safety, privacy, compliance, and professional conduct, ensuring that new hires understand their responsibilities and the expectations of the organization.
4. Benefits and resources: Information about employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, as well as resources for professional development, wellness, and work-life balance.
5. Clinical systems and technology: An introduction to the clinical systems and technology used at TriHealth, such as electronic health records, medication dispensing systems, and communication platforms, along with basic training on how to access and use these tools.
6. Facility tours: Guided tours of the TriHealth facilities where new healthcare professionals will be working, including patient care areas, staff lounges, and supply rooms, to help them navigate their new work environment.
7. Q&A and next steps: Opportunities for new hires to ask questions, clarify expectations, and understand the next steps in their onboarding process, including scheduling their shadow shifts and any additional training or orientation sessions.

The TriHealth Orientation may be conducted in-person, online, or through a combination of formats, depending on the roles and locations of the new healthcare professionals, as well as any current public health or safety guidelines.

What happens during a TriHealth Shadow Shift?

The TriHealth Shadow Shift is an opportunity for new healthcare professionals to observe and learn from experienced colleagues in their respective departments or units. During a shadow shift, the new hire typically:

1. Meets their preceptor: The new healthcare professional is paired with an experienced colleague, known as a preceptor, who will guide them through the shadow shift experience and provide ongoing support and mentorship.
2. Observes patient care: The new hire shadows their preceptor during patient interactions, observing how they assess, diagnose, treat, and communicate with patients and families, as well as how they collaborate with other members of the healthcare team.
3. Learns department-specific procedures: The preceptor demonstrates and explains department-specific procedures, protocols, and workflows, such as medication administration, documentation, and handoff communication, helping the new hire understand their role within the larger context of the unit.
4. Asks questions and takes notes: The new healthcare professional is encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, and take notes throughout the shadow shift to maximize their learning and retention of key information and skills.
5. Reflects and debriefs: After the shadow shift, the new hire and preceptor debrief on the experience, discussing key takeaways, areas for improvement, and any additional support or resources needed to help the new healthcare professional succeed in their role.

The duration and structure of the TriHealth Shadow Shift may vary depending on the complexity of the role, the needs of the department, and the learning style of the new healthcare professional. Some shadow shifts may last a few hours, while others may extend over several days or weeks, with gradually increasing levels of responsibility and independence for the new hire.

Why are the TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift important?

The TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift serve several essential purposes for new healthcare professionals:

1. Role clarity and expectations: These experiences help new hires understand their specific job responsibilities, performance expectations, and how their role contributes to the overall mission and goals of the organization.
2. Integration into the work environment: The orientation and shadow shift help new healthcare professionals familiarize themselves with the physical layout, resources, and workflows of their department or unit, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence as they begin their new roles.
3. Skill development and refinement: The shadow shift provides hands-on opportunities for new hires to observe and practice critical clinical skills under the guidance of experienced colleagues, enhancing their competence and readiness to provide safe, high-quality patient care.
4. Relationship building and teamwork: The orientation and shadow shift facilitate introductions and relationship building with colleagues, supervisors, and other members of the healthcare team, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration that is essential for effective patient care.
5. Organizational culture and values: These experiences help new healthcare professionals internalize TriHealth's mission, values, and patient-centered approach to care, aligning their professional practice with the organization's culture and expectations.
6. Retention and job satisfaction: By investing in comprehensive onboarding experiences, TriHealth demonstrates its commitment to the success and well-being of its healthcare professionals, leading to higher job satisfaction, engagement, and retention rates.

Ultimately, the TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career with the organization, benefiting both the individual healthcare professional and the patients and communities they serve.

Documenting TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift completion

Upon completing the TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift, healthcare professionals can document these important milestones on their Nursa profile to showcase their commitment to professional development and their successful integration into the TriHealth organization:

1. Tap Menu in the top left of the Nursa app.
2. Select Profile.
3. Scroll to the Professional Experiences section.
4. Tap Add your Professional Experience.
5. Enter "TriHealth Orientation" and "TriHealth Shadow Shift" as separate experiences, including the dates of completion and any relevant details, such as the specific department or unit.

By featuring their completion of the TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift on their Nursa profile, healthcare professionals can demonstrate their dedication to excellence, patient-centered care, and continuous learning, making them valuable assets to the TriHealth team and the healthcare community at large.

Sign up as a clinician and take the first step towards a rewarding career with TriHealth. By fully engaging in the TriHealth Orientation and Shadow Shift experiences, you'll lay the foundation for success in your new role, developing the skills, knowledge, and relationships essential for providing exceptional patient care. Embrace these opportunities to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those you serve as a member of the TriHealth healthcare team.