Remote onboarding and training of new program coordinators into the medical education office during Covid-19 social distance quarantine: process and recommendations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The Medical Education Office at Rochester Regional Health was required to remotely onboard and train its new program coordinators using telework during the Covid-19 quarantine restrictions mandating all non-clinical administrative staff work from home. Objective To implement a remote onboarding and training process for new program coordinators that would introduce solutions for learning new tasks, maintain business operations effectively, and prevent employee feelings of isolation. Method The System Director of Medical Education implemented eight actionable items to remotely train the new program coordinators, consisting of creating a virtual workday, planning for purposeful learning, developing spreadsheets for process flow, engaging other staff for mini-tutorials, scheduling remote meet and greets, assigning supplemental self-learning modules, establishing standard virtual meeting formats, and conducting regular one to one check-ins. Results Recommendations for successful results during training are to be specific in communication, think a step ahead and reassure the employee. Conclusion The Medical Education Office successfully used the eight actions as a remote onboarding and training platform for new hires.