Case Study: Standardizing Onboarding and Training Across Two California Hospitals

Two hospitals within a California-based health system were struggling with inconsistent training processes for new graduates and clinical staff. A lack of standardized orientation, limited structure and unclear expectations led to gaps in preparedness and team collaboration — ultimately impacting patient care.

An HCT interim leader was brought in to design and implement a robust onboarding and training program tailored to the specific needs of both hospitals. Working closely with educators and local leadership, the interim executive developed clear orientation schedules, defined training roles and introduced ongoing professional development initiatives. The success of the program quickly made it the recommended standard across the entire hospital system.

Key Results:

• Developed a system-wide training program that became the recommended onboarding and preceptor process.

• Improved team collaboration and communication across units.

• Increased new graduate preparedness and confidence.

• Enhanced ongoing education and role clarity for staff.