Why your first 60 days decide year one
In Abu Dhabi’s premium sector, retention correlates with clean onboarding: fast alignment of title, licence and privileges; predictable rotas; and early clarity on safety routines. Aim for quiet reliability over speed—consistent handover, documented competencies, and measured patient-experience standards.
Weeks 0–2 — Stabilise identity, scope and handover
Identity & access: confirm passport-exact name in HR, DOH portal and badge; activate IT, drug charts, eMAR access.
Privileges: receive your unit privilege list (core vs advanced). If you need proctored starts, book them now.
Handover discipline: adopt SBAR; two-minute limit except for instability; runner handles calls.
Medication safety: high-risk list (anticoagulants, insulin, electrolytes, opioids/PCA) with two-person check where indicated.
UHNWI etiquette basics: consent boundaries, quiet hours, escalation via medical lead—not via household staff.
Deliverables: signed policy acknowledgements; initial competency checklists; first pair of proctored shifts scheduled.
Weeks 3–4 — Build repeatability and documentation quality
Repeatable routines: room set-up, device checks, discharge bundles; standardise your pre-handover mini-audit (new starts, pending results, isolation).
Rotas and fatigue: ≤ 3–4 consecutive nights; ≥ 48–72 h recovery post-nights. Log overtime; avoid unapproved “goodwill”.
Incident learning: submit one near-miss properly (no blame); attend the learning huddle; show the change you adopted.
Family/PA choreography (VIP): confirm who may hear updates; use neutral descriptors; avoid names in public spaces.
Deliverables: one documented med safety drill; one near-miss learning note; rota compliance review with charge nurse.
Weeks 5–6 — Extend scope safely and measure impact
Proctored to independent: close outstanding competencies (e.g., chemo admin, central line care, paeds dosing/weights).
Micro-improvement: lead a 10-chart documentation mini-audit (pain scores, high-risk meds, discharge planning).
Patient experience reliability: rehearse your room choreography—lighting, noise, equipment placement, visitor etiquette.
Escalation confidence: rehearse a deteriorating-patient SBAR with timekeeper; print the escalation tree.
Deliverables: proctor sign-offs filed; mini-audit summary shared; personal development plan for days 60–180.
The safety anchors you keep every shift
SBAR handover protected time, 20–30 minutes; one live list for new starts/pending results/high-risk meds.
Two-person check on high-risk meds; LASA read-back aloud (drug, dose, route, time).
Early escalation—call sooner than you think; document the recommendation and time.
Documentation = care—if it isn’t written, it isn’t shared; keep notes legible and time-stamped.
UHNWI nuance without noise
Privacy: confirm consent boundaries; PA/security handle logistics, not clinical decisions.
Boundaries: no off-record advice; update the medical lead for plan changes.
Transfers: if moving from home/hotel to hospital, pre-brief receiving unit with clinical essentials and security contact.
Manager’s checklist (for a stable unit)
Privilege matrix issued; proctoring plan in week 1
Rota caps enforced; handover ring-fenced daily
High-risk meds drill completed by week 4
Near-misses logged and closed within 72 h
Mini-audit (10 charts) reviewed by week 6
Tailored development plan set by day 60
Personal checklist (copy/paste)
Badges/logins active; passport-exact name checked
SBAR card in pocket; two-minute handover rehearsed
High-risk meds list memorised; double-check routine set
Proctored shifts booked; sign-offs tracked
Rota reviewed two weeks ahead; recovery days protected
One near-miss submitted; one micro-improvement delivered
Common pitfalls—and calm fixes
Title ≠ regulator category ≠ privileges → fix alignment in week 1.
Goodwill overtime becoming routine → cap and log; escalate patterns.
VIP boundary drift → restate consent rules; route changes via medical lead.
Handover overruns → timer + runner + SBAR; park non-urgent topics for the end.