Our Maxim Healthcare Staffing team understands that beginning your new temporary healthcare assignment can be both exciting and stressful. You’re meeting new people, learning your way around a new facility, and working with new guidelines, which can be intimidating. However, there are tips that our most experienced nurses, crisis counselors, case managers and others have shared to help you prosper in your new role. For further support as you start your new healthcare job, don’t hesitate to contact our Maxim team online or visit our jobs site.
12 Tips When Starting Your New Healthcare Job
1. Ask Questions
Although it can be challenging for some, if you don’t know, ask. It is crucial when starting a new healthcare role to be proactive and find the right answers early so that you can maximize your job performance from the start.
2. Make an Impact
Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to provide the best care for your patients, so strive to be an exceptional employee.
Try to:
- Avoid gossip and hospital politics
- Be a good listener
- Pay attention to workplace culture
- Maintain a positive, professional attitude
3. Learn the Policies and Procedures
Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the responsibilities of your position. Also, find where any guidelines and documents that you may need to reference are located.
4. Prove You Are a Team Player
Look for opportunities to let your new coworkers know that you aim to be a reliable part of the team. Volunteer to assist a coworker when possible to lighten their workload.
5. Take Notes
Don’t try to remember anything that you can write down. Make a list of names, titles and phone numbers of people who will be your primary contacts. If there will be a shift change for your primaries, also get the contact information of everyone who might be on duty during your shifts.
6. Do Your Research
Take the time to get to know the services offered by the facility. Look up their reviews and ratings and identify any ways you might be able to help improve their services.
7. Arrive Early
Plan to arrive extra early to make a good first impression to be ready on your first day on the job. Also, showing up early on the first day gives you time to put away your things and even grab a cup of coffee before your shift begins. You don’t want the added stress of running late, especially on the first day.
8. Secure Your Belongings
Bring a combination lock to secure your possessions in your locker.
9. Meet and Greet
It might be difficult for some people, but it’s vital to make an effort to introduce yourself to your coworkers. You will likely work with people outside of your department as well, so branch out with your introductions. This will make the transition into your new role easier and help you be remembered when it’s time for your employee evaluation or possible contract renewal.
10. You Earned This Position
Start each shift with confidence knowing that Recruiters and Hiring Managers interviewed and vetted you thoroughly. Remember that you are in this role because you deserve it.
11. Get Acquainted with the Immediate Area
If you’re unfamiliar with the neighborhood around your facility, consider scouting the area ahead of time.
Also, be sure to:
- Learn a primary and backup route for your commute
- Find parks or green spaces to take walks on breaks
- Locate places for lunch or coffee
12. Have an Attitude of Gratitude
You are a healthcare professional getting paid to do the rewarding work you love. You’ve endured years of training to get to where you are in your career, so feel grateful for each day you get to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.
Succeed in Your New Healthcare Job with Support from Maxim Healthcare Staffing
Our Maxim team wants you to thrive in your new healthcare job, so we support you every step of the way, from the initial interview to your first day at work. Learn more about how our team can help you achieve your career goals by filling out our online contact form today.