New Staff Orientation

To assure the hospital that you are fully aware of your responsibilities regarding access to information, you are required to demonstrate by signing below that you agree to maintain confidentiality of your personal codes and the information you access, as follows:

• I understand my user id and password are equivalent to my legal signature. I am accountable for and accept responsibility for all work done under these codes
• I will not disclose my id or password to anyone, nor will I attempt to learn or use another person's id and password.
• If I have reason to believe that my id and password have been revealed, I will immediately contact information & communication technology to establish new personal codes.
• I accept responsibility for the accuracy and appropriateness of data, which I enter into the hospital's information systems.
• I will only access information which is directly required in the performance of my duties.
• All electronically stored patient and hospital data is confidential and must be treated with the same care as data on paper. I will only disclose information to individuals who are authorized to receive such information

All employees, physicians, volunteers, students and staff from external agencies who have access to confidential information concerning patients, hospital personnel and hospital business are directed by the Brant Community Healthcare System statement of information practices and are required to sign this confidentiality agreement, on an annual basis. In my affiliation with Brant Community Healthcare System, I understand that:

• BCHS has policies and procedures with respect to privacy, confidentiality, and security and it is my responsibility to be familiar with the requirements outlined in such policies and procedures.
• I will not use BCHS information or communication systems to access confidential information unless legally authorized to do so and as required in the proper and faithful discharge of my duties or responsibilities
• Except when I am legally authorized to do so and as required in the proper and faithful discharge of my duties or responsibilities, I will not access, use or disclose confidential information that comes to my knowledge or possession by reason of my employment or affiliation with BCHS.
• My handling of confidential information may be subject to monitoring and audit activities.
• I will not share my access codes (e.g. my computer password, voicemail password, pin number for door locks, pin for electronic signature).
• I have a responsibility to assist other persons employed or affiliated with BCHS with their obligation to maintain confidentiality.
• I will not leave confidential information exposed for others to view (e.g. Computer screen or patient record or discuss confidential information in public areas)
• I am required to report any breach or suspected breach of confidentiality to BCHS' privacy office; and I am accountable for my actions and the consequences of my actions related to the handling of confidential information.
• Privacy breaches are subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Mandatory reporting to regulatory colleges is required for employees who are disciplined resulting from the unauthorized access, collection, use or disclosure of health information.
• I understand that a breach of this agreement may be cause for disciplinary action including, but not limited to, written warnings or letters of counsel, suspensions with or without pay, and/or immediate termination of employment, affiliation, suspension or revocation of hospital privileges with BCHS; and prosecution under the law.

• The hospital offers a comprehensive benefit plan, as well as a pension plan. All of the information and resources are located on the Benefits and Health Resources page.
• You are eligible to sign-up for the benefit program if you are a regular Full-Time employee. You must complete the enrollment form upon hire indicating if you wish to enroll or waive.

• Enrollment in the HOOPP pension plan is mandatory for all regular Full-Time employees. It is optional for part-time, casual and temporary employees. If you choose to waive your right to enroll, you must still complete the HOOPP portion of your onboarding forms. If you turn down your right to join the plan, you can apply to join at the beginning of a future pay period. Once you enroll, you cannot opt out. An electronic version of the HOOPP Handbook is available and can be found here.

• Desjardins is the current provider for the basic life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefit, both are valued at 2x your annual salary. This benefit is 100% employer paid. You are able to assign a primary and contingent beneficiary. A contingent beneficiary would be eligible for the benefit payment if your primary beneficiary were unable to accept the payment. If any of your beneficiaries are under 18, you must also assign a trustee. Completion of the enrollment form is mandatory for full-time employees, and the original signed copy must be returned to Human Resources.

We adhere to a strict dress code. All employees who regularly wear scrubs to work are required to wear a specific colour scrub top based on your designation, and black scrub bottoms. You are required to begin wearing your designated scrub top upon hire. In order to ensure you have your scrubs on time, orders must be made on or before day 2 of orientation. 

We have a partnership with MEDICWEAR located at 84 Charing Cross St, Brantford, ON N3R 2H6       (1.4km from BGH). Phone: 519-754-9327

Hours:

More information can be found at Staff Links page (including the uniform colour guide).

You can wear business casual clothing for Day 1 of orientation.

• The Employment Standards Act protects employees and sets minimum standards for most workplaces in Ontario.
• What you need to know about Employment Standards in Ontario. 

ONA, SEIU & Non-Union Paratech Employees:

• Credit for recent and related experience will be granted based on collective agreement language or non-union salary guidelines. Letters of experience must be submitted. Letters of experience must be on company letterhead, signed by an HR representative and contain the following information:
  • Position title
  • Start date of employment
  • End date of employment
  • Employment status i.e. regular full-time, part-time, casual, etc.
  • Total hours worked
• Once you have submitted all of your onboarding documentation, including any letters of experience, your rate of pay will be adjusted accordingly on your next pay.
  • SEIU service full time article 26.02 (1 year for every full year of related experience)
  • SEIU service part time article 25.01 (1 year for every full year of related experience)
  • SEIU clerical full time article 26.02 (1 year for every full year of related experience)
  • ONA Full-time article 19.05: 1 year for every full year of related experience (1950 hrs)
  • ONA Part-time article 19.05: 1 year for every full year of related experience (1500 hrs)

Non-Union Para/Tech Employees:

• An employee may make a claim for recent related experience in writing at the time of hire by completing a request for experience pay form and providing the organziation with letters of experience from their past employers. Letters of experience must be on company letterhead, signed by an HR representative and contain the following information:
  • Position title
  • Start date of employment
  • End date of employment
  • Employment status i.e. regular full-time, part-time, casual, etc.
  • Total hours worked
• If the employee provides this verification of experience, prior experience shall be credited at the rate of one (1) increment on the salary scale for every one (1) year of recent, related, full-time experience, as determined by the Hospital. 
• For the purposes of this clause, as it applied to part-time employees, part-time experience will be calculated on the basis of 1650 hours worked equaling one (1) year of experience. 

Changes to the employment standards act requires that all employee's agree to hours of work that exceed 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week. I agree to the following working conditions as outlined in the employment standards act of Ontario, as follows:

• Extra hours of work agreement: I, agree that I will work hours in excess of 8 hours (or whatever the employees regular work day is if it is more than 8 hours) in a day and/ or in excess of 48 hours in a week but not exceeding 60 hours in a week, in accordance with the employment standards act of Ontario, 2000. I understand that by signing this agreement, the Brant Community Healthcare System can require me to work extra hours. However, in most cases, extra hours will be voluntary.
• Agreement re: time off between shifts: I agree that from time to time, my manager/supervisor may ask me to have less than eight hours off between shifts. I understand that I may refuse to do so. However, if I do agree when asked, this is my written agreement pursuant to s.18 (3) of the employment standards act, 2000

• All staff receive a discounted rate for parking if you wish to sign-up. The fee is $55 per month (subject to change), and is deducted from your pay once a month.
• You must submit a photo at least 3 days prior to your first day for your identification badge. Photos must be forward-facing, unedited and against a blank wall. Accessories such as hats or sunglasses, etc., are not permitted. Particular dress related to religious beliefs and/or practices will be accommodated where the three guiding principles of infection control, safety and image are met.

The hospital may use pictures of caregivers and patients. They may be used internally (as in staff education) or externally (in newspaper articles or for use on our website). If you are not comfortable having your name or picture used in publications, please put an “X” on your onboarding form.

Credit for completion of specialized education will be granted based on collective agreement language. Evidence must include proof of completion and proof of the program duration.

• • For special clinical preparation of 6 months or more; $15 per month
  • For a course in nursing unit administration; $15 per month
  • For one year university certificate in diploma in nursing; $40 per month
  • For a master of science degree in nursing; $120

Please note: Bachelor's Degree does not qualify under this benefit.

As a condition of your employment you are required to schedule an appointment with Organizational Health for a pre-employment review, ALL of this must be completed with Organizational Health within 14 days of your start date. 

Any existing immunization records or documents are welcomed for review. (example: you did TB testing for school, or have your yellow public health passport)

If unable to obtain any of the following the Occupational Nurse will assist with completing the requirements needed; including bloodwork, TB Tests, Public Health vaccinations, and Mask-fit Testing.

Organizational Health will review the following requirements:

1. Tuberculin Testing: evidence of a 2-step TB skin test is required.
   • If completed, only a 1-step TB skin test is required within the last year.
   • If not completed, a 2-step TB skin test is required.
2. Immunization Status
   • Immunization record/yellow card to be submitted. If you do not have an immunization record, completion of a lab requisition is required.
   • 2 MMR: Mumps, measles, rubella vaccines. If you do not have your records, bloodwork is required for proof of immunity.
   • Hepatitis B Series: bloodwork and record of vaccination is required for proof of immunity.
   • Varicella (chickenpox): if born before 2004, proof of chickenpox disease is required. If born after 2004, proof of 2 vaccines is required. If you are unable to definitely state if you have had chickenpox of have been vaccinated, bloodwork is required.
   • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Booster: within the last 10 years, not required but strongly recommended.
3. Mask Fit Testing
   • This will be completed during your health review meeting. No eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gym ½ hour prior to testing. You must also be clean shaven.
   • If you have a valid mask fit test (within 2 years) please provide a copy to Organizational Health.
4. Completed health review form
5. Health and Safety Orientation Checklist (to be reviewed during orientation)

To schedule your appointment in the pre-employment calendar, please follow the link listed within the BCHS Disclosure document (sent to you in your welcome email). Organizational Health has the right to interrupt scheduled shifts if documents are not received. Work restrictions may occur for unvaccinated or non-immune employees in the event of an outbreak or exposure.

• If it is contagious: guidelines for safe return to work will be discussed in your meeting.
• You are currently at work and want to go home sick.
• You are injured while at work: contact Organizational Health and complete an incident report (link will only work on-site)
• You are injured outside of work and required modified duties. Organizational Health will review the restrictions provided by your health care provider to determine next steps.
• A medical note may be requested by your manager or organizational health for sick absences.
• You are going to be off more than 10 calendar days: medical leaves of absence need to be reviewed with an Occupational Health Nurse (ext. 5528).