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Orientation Shifts

Everything you need to know before, during and after an Orientation Shift

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Written by Erica Rodriguez
Updated this week

Some facilities require you to work an orientation shift before you’re able to claim regular shifts. These shifts typically consist of learning the facility layout, getting system logins, and understanding how the facility operates. Some hospitals require multiple orientation shifts, while others may only require one.

IMPORTANT: Orientation shifts are scheduled by the facility based on their educators’ availability; therefore, we cannot request additional orientation shifts be posted. Check the ShiftMed app regularly for newly posted opportunities! Please DO NOT contact the facility directly.

Not all facilities conduct orientation in the same way! For example, SSM requires all system logins to be active (a process called Provisioning) PRIOR to allowing a claim for an orientation shift.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your Workday access, please see this article for additional information: SSM Workday Assistance & Password Reset


Pre-Orientation

Each acute hospital has its own requirements for Online Training Modules; also called the Online Learning Certificate.

Some hospitals require online learning at multiple locations; completing LMS for one location does not automatically clear you to work at another location.

Some hospitals, like SSM, require a Provisioned Worker Credential to be completed PRIOR to claiming your orientation shift. If you’ve been unsuccessful when trying to claim an orientation shift, and you have all other credentials completed, it’s likely that you are in the Provisioning stage and will receive updates via email once that process has been completed.

To claim, look for an Orientation badge in your shift feed.

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Some orientation shifts align with a specific nursing specialty. For example, if you're an RN with an Emergency specialty, be sure to complete the ED/ER orientation.

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Attending Orientation

  • SSM Skills Assessment: What You Need to Know Prior to your orientation shift you will receive a Welcome email from ShiftMed which will include a copy of the SSM Health Skills and Environment of Care Checklist. Please print this checklist and bring it to your orientation shift to be completed.

  • Representing ShiftMed: Showing Up for Shifts! When you arrive for a shift, be sure to ask for a nursing supervisor or facility scheduler. Let them know you are from ShiftMed, and you're there for Orientation. Also, remember to check in via the ShiftMed app.


Post-Orientation

After completing orientation, it’s important that you upload or email any documentation that was done during your shift, such as your SSM Skills Checklist or N95 Mask Fit Test.

If you're still unable to claim after attending orientation, you may have missing or expired credentials. For a full list of reasons why you may be unable to claim, check out this article: Why Can't I Claim a Shift?


Top Hospitals with Orientation Requirements

Dress code*

Multiple Orientations required**

ShiftMed ID Badge required

Docs to be completed during Orientation

Provisioning needed before Orientation

SSM

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Encompass

N

N

Y

N

N

Presbyterian

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

LCMC

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Children's

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Powers

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

* See FAQs for more information
**At select locations: Some hospitals will require separate orientation shifts at each of their locations; others will allow a single orientation shift to clear you for all locations.

IMPORTANT: Additional details for orientation, such as dress code, where to park, and any other special notes, will be available for you to review in the ShiftMed app. Some hospitals will also send this information via email prior to your shift starting. Please be sure to check the app and your email for any pertinent information.

This is not a complete list of facilities requiring orientation. If you have additional questions, start a chat with us in the ShiftMed app by going to Menu > Help Center > Help Articles & Chat > Messages > Send Us A Message!


FAQs

  • When will I be paid?
    ShiftMed employees are paid weekly on Fridays for the previous pay period worked. Each pay period starts on Saturday and ends on Friday.

  • Do I need a ShiftMed badge prior to attending my shift?
    No, you are not required to have your ShiftMed badge prior to attending your shift. Some hospitals, Presbyterian and Children's MN, for example, will have a badge ready for you at day 1 of orientation. If you are scheduled for a shift and have not received your badge yet, be sure to bring a valid photo ID to present when checking in for your shift.

  • What should I wear to my shift?
    Not all hospitals require you to wear specific-colored scrubs, but we’ve outlined the most common for you here. For general information on ShiftMed’s Dress Code Policy, check out this article: What Should I Wear to My Shift?

    • LCMC

      • For all Campuses

        • Closed-toe nursing shoes

        • White shirt under scrub top

        • No colored hair or a bonnet must be worn during shift

        • Nails cannot be longer than 1/4"

        • Offensive tattoos must be covered during shift.

      • RN Scrub Colors by Campus

        • West Jefferson: Navy, White or a combo of both

        • University Medical Center: Navy

        • New Orleans East Hospital: Navy

        • East Jefferson: Teal

        • Lakeside Hospital: Teal

    • SSM

      • RNs: Navy Blue

      • CNAs: Gray

      • RTs: Ciel Blue

      • Pharmacist: Business Casual

    • Powers

      • Royal Blue

    • Presbyterian

      • RNs: You may wear any color scrubs as long as the top, bottom, jacket and any underclothing are all the same color.

      • Nurse Techs and CNAs: Red, Dark Blue or Light Gray

        • Note: The top, bottom, jacket and any underclothing must all be the same color.

  • What should I do if I need to reschedule or cancel my upcoming shift?
    When you claim a shift, it's critical to do everything you can to show up. However, we understand unexpected things happen that can prevent you from fulfilling your work obligations. All cancelations, callouts or unschedules MUST be completed in the ShiftMed App. Please be sure to review our Attendance Policy for more details.

  • How many hours can I work per week?

    As a ShiftMed employee, you can work up to 40 hours a week—unless a facility or management company allows overtime, and you meet the eligibility requirements. For example, suppose you claimed 40 hours within a ShiftMed week (Saturday-Friday). You won't be able to pick up any more regular shifts for that week BUT if overtime shifts are available for that week, they'll be displayed in the shift feed for you to claim. For more information on Allowable Overtime, check out this article: Allowable Overtime.


QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, reach out to us in chat by going into the ShiftMed App > Menu > Help Center > Help Articles & Chat > Messages > Send Us A Message!

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