Implementation of a phased onboarding program for novice advanced practice providers

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants, collectively referred to as advanced practice providers (APPs), are trained generally even though they are often hired into specialty practices such as pediatric otolaryngology (ENT). Because of this, novice APPs require a thorough onboarding to allow them to have the knowledge and skills needed to care for today's complex otolaryngology patients. Standard onboarding programs for APPs are often lacking, and orientation varies across areas. The purpose of our project was to develop a standardized phased onboarding program to help with a successful transition to practice for novice APPs joining our academic pediatric ENT practice.

A phased onboarding tool was developed and piloted with a novice APP new hire in our specialty. The APP progresses through four phases during orientation, with scheduled formative and summative feedback sessions. Competency metrics are established with the goal of the novice APP meeting patient care goals at the advanced beginner level by the end of phase two and at the competent to proficient level by the end of phase four.

This manuscript will share a newly developed phased onboarding and orientation program specific to pediatric ENT, including lessons learned, which has a goal for novice APPs to be completing their orientation in approximately 6 months.

Standardized onboarding is necessary to facilitate a successful transition to practice for novice APPs. This tool can be implemented in other pediatric otolaryngology practices and other specialties.