Employee Handbook for Pediatric Practices

An employee handbook is one of the most useful tools in a pediatric practice. It can help provide employees with written policies, work rules and benefits that can ultimately create a framework for successful relationships between employer and employees. A well-structured employee handbook can also quickly and easily assist in addressing misunderstandings and/or complaints that may arise among employees. ​ 

The handbook should be used to express the following: 

• Mission, vision and philosophy of the practice 
• Employer expectations 
• Procedures for reporting employee grievances 
• Benefit information 

Emergency Procedures 

Bear in mind that when writing an employee handbook, it is best to determine what the practice wants the employees to understand. It is suggested that practice begin by answering the following questions: 

• What is expected of the employer and the employee? 
• What types of services are being provided to patients? 
• What are the practice's wage policies, benefits and working conditions? 

Addressing employee and human resource related issues can also be extremely challenging and overwhelming at times, however, are primary functions of successfully operating a pediatric practice. The employee handbook should provide a reference for unbiased and just administration of policies on behalf of the practice leadership. It can also be beneficial to form a committee or task force made up of various employees to participate in the development and regular review of the practice's employee handbook.​ 

An employee handbook can vary depending on the needs and circumstances of the pediatric practice. Below is a sample table of contents checklist for deciding what to include in the employee handbook. 

• Sample Employee Handbook Table of Contents Checklist