Just Couldn't Stay Away

Welcome back to Hartford HealthCare! We're thrilled to have you return to our team, and our onboarding website is here to help you get up to speed and reintegrate seamlessly into your role after your time away.

 
Important information for new colleagues starting employment on Nov. 18, Dec. 16, or Jan. 13: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Martin Luther King Jr. are observed holidays at Hartford HealthCare. Paid time off (PTO) is accrued each pay period for eligible hourly and exempt colleagues.  Because of the timing of your start date, you will not have earned enough PTO to be eligible to use PTO if your department is closed or if you are not scheduled to work. Please plan accordingly as time off for these holidays will be unpaid. If you are scheduled to work, you will be paid based on our standard holiday differentials. If you have additional questions, please speak to your manager.
 
 
Winter weather advisory: If winter weather is forecasted and in-person orientation is cancelled, you will be notified on the Sunday before New Colleague Orientation with instructions to follow an online orientation schedule. For weather cancellation and other questions call the New Colleague Orientation hotline at 860.696.2001.
 

Before orientation — Upload your badge photo ASAP

Upload a photo for your Hartford HealthCare badge.

Please be sure to submit your photos at least 1 week before your start date. Doing so helps to ensure your badge will be ready for pickup on your first day. 

If you are unable to submit a photo, connect with or visit your organization’s badge office before your start date. We can also work with you on your first day to take a photograph.

Upload your badge photo

Explore helpful photo hints

HHC Badge Offices

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Before orientation — Save time: Present your identity & work authorization paperwork (I-9)

Every employer is required by federal law to complete an employment eligibility form (also known as an I-9) to verify your identity and your authorization to work in the United States.

This is a two-step process.

  1. The first step is to complete the online Equifax section through your onboarding portal after electronically signing your offer letter.
  2. The second step is verification of your identity. This can be completed up to one month before your start date, but not any sooner. This requires you to provide proof of your eligibility to work as defined by the list of acceptable documents.

You may complete this requirement by choosing one of the following options:

  1. Schedule a Virtual I-9 Verification Appointment to occur before your start date for a video conference with a member of the Human Resources (HR) team and upload your identification document(s) directly to our secure site (Preferred option, most flexible)
  2. Bring your identification document(s) in-person to a designated Hartford HealthCare HR location during office hours
  3. Bring your identification document(s) and complete at the in-person orientation

Please note: Completing the I-9 verification process for your new position must be completed within 3 business days from the start of your employment to allow you to work. This is a requirement for all new and returning colleagues, regardless of the amount of time that has passed from previous employment with HHC.

You have three options to complete the in-person requirement:

Option 1: Virtual I-9 Verification Appointment

  1. Schedule a video conference appointment with a member of our HR Team.
  2. If a virtual conference appointment is not available before your start date email HHCI9s@hhchealth.org to request an appointment.
  3. Once you schedule an appointment, you will be automatically redirected to a secure site to upload photos of your documentation. Please upload front and back photos as directed. Access the secure site.
  4. A Zoom link will be sent via email from Hartford HealthCare I-9s (via Calendly) upon confirmation of booking the appointment (Step 1). You do not need a Zoom account to join, however video capabilities are required to confirm your identity. You must complete step 2 before meeting with us; Your I-9 can only be completed virtually if you meet with HR for this final step. 

Please email HHCI9s@hhchealth.org with questions.

Option 2: In-Person I-9 Verification at HHC HR Location

Bring your acceptable documents in person to one of the following locations during designated business hours before orientation. You may visit any in-person location you choose, regardless of work location. Choose from the list of acceptable documents.

Hartford Hospital

Tuesdays from 9 AM - 12 Noon
Wednesdays from 1 PM - 3 PM
Please email HartfordHospital.HR@hhchealth.org to make an appointment during other times.

Human Resources
560 Hudson Street, Hartford
ERC entrance
(Park in the Hudson Garage, 500 Hudson St.)

Backus Hospital

Please use https://calendly.com/eastregionhr/i9-verification to arrange an appointment during the following times:

Tuesdays from 10 AM to 11 AM
Wednesdays from 1 PM to 2 PM*

Appointment Only: Human Resources – Main Entrance
326 Washington Street, Norwich

*If the hours of availability noted above do not work for you, please email EastRegionHR@hhchealth.org to schedule an appointment.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center

Please use https://calendly.com/svmchri9verification to arrange an appointment during the following times:
Tuesdays from 9 AM to 10 AM
Thursdays from 12 PM to 2 PM*

Appointment Only: Human Resources
St. Vincent’s Medical Center
Use this GPS address: 146 Hunting St, Bridgeport, CT 06606

*If the hours of availability noted above do not work for you, please email SVMCHR@hhchealth.org  to schedule an appointment.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

Mondays & Thursdays, 9:00 AM to 12 noon
Please email CHHHumanResources@HHCHealth.org to make an appointment during other times

Human Resources Department
540 Litchfield Street, Torrington
Memorial Building, 1st floor

The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Tuesdays from 1pm to 4pm
Thursdays from 9am to 12pm

To set up an appointment or make inquiries, please email Human Resources Department at CentralRegionHR@hhchealth.org

Human Resources
100 Grand Street, New Britain
Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4pm
If the door is closed, please knock

Natchaug Hospital

Thursdays from 1 PM to 3 PM*
* Please email HumanResources.BHN@hhchealth.org to schedule an appointment

Human Resources
196 Conantville Rd, Mansfield Center
(Email HumanResources.BHN@hhchealth.org with questions relating to I9)

Option 3: Bring your acceptable documents to Day 1 of orientation

HR Colleagues will be on-site at the Day 1 Orientation at the Oakdale Theater to assist you if you were unable complete your I-9 prior verification to starting with us. Please make sure you bring a current photo ID, along with the list of acceptable documents.

Please be aware that an I-9 verification for your new position must be completed within 3 business days from the start of your employment to allow you to work. If you do not complete your I-9 within this timeframe, your local HR team will work with you to remain compliant. Delays in submitting documentation may place your employment at risk.

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Before orientation — Complete your medical clearance

As part of your onboarding, you will need to be medically cleared prior to your start date.

Medical clearance is a two-step process. You will need to go for bloodwork and attend an onsite screening appointment with HHC. We will call you to schedule your appointment at one of our locations.

What to know about your bloodwork:

  • You will have two lab orders
  • Lab orders may include: MMR (measles, mumps rubella), Varicella, Hepatitis B, QuantiFERON (TB)
  • Your lab order and results will be sent to Hartford HealthCare Colleague Health Services
  • Fasting is not required
  • You will not be billed

What to bring to your HHC onsite screening appointment:

    What to expect at your HHC onsite screening appointment:

    • Vision, hearing, and vitals screening
    • Come prepared to perform a urine drug screen - your appointment will take longer if this cannot be completed
    • Depending on bloodwork results, you may need vaccine(s)
    • Respirator fit testing depending on role - you must shave

    If you would like to request an exemption or postponement for a vaccine or wearing a respirator, please see the How to Submit Guides for additional information to request a postponement or exemption.

    If you have questions on medical clearance, please email CHSMedClearance@hhchealth.org.

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    Orientation — Day 1

    Prepare for a fun and exciting first day, where you will be introduced to Hartford HealthCare and the core values we live by.

    Don’t forget, you cannot start orientation unless you have completed all of the steps above (except for your I-9, which can be completed at the Oakdale).  

    Day 1:

    • 8:15 a.m. – Registration begins.
    • Please arrive between 8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. to register, enjoy refreshments and continental breakfast.
    • 9:00 a.m. – Program begins. Enjoy a fun-filled day: HHC cultural immersion, relationship building, knowledge sharing, food, giveaways, resource fair and more.
    • 2:45 p.m. – Program ends.
    • Attire: Business casual

    Day 1 Starts here:

    The Toyota Oakdale Theatre
    95 S Turnpike Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492
    NOTE: Do not enter on Cook Hill Road, this is an exit only.
    Toyota Oakdale Theatre | Wallingford, Connecticut

    Free Parking in front of the building. Attendants will be on site to direct you.
    Oakdale Theatre Parking Map

    Not feeling well?

    • If you are not feeling well and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, do not attend orientation at the Oakdale Theatre or report to work. Contact your recruiter to review next steps.
    • If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within ten days prior to your start date, please report your positive test here. A Colleague Health nurse will call you to discuss next steps.

    What to expect:

    • Masks are encouraged and welcome at orientation! If you would like a mask but do not have one, a mask can be provided.
    • The Oakdale Theatre experience is on one floor with accessible entry and seating
    • Private rooms are available upon request for nursing mothers
    • Lights will be dimmed throughout the day
    • Presentations include multiple speakers using microphones
    • Multiple screens, including a very large screen for presentations, are part of the program
    • Speakers to project sound are stationed around the venue
    • All facilities are ADA accessible. Assistance will be provided when necessary
    • A continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided. Assistance will be provided when necessary
    • Gluten-free and vegan options are available. Please ask the servers.
    • Temperatures may fluctuate throughout the day. Please plan to dress accordingly
    • Pet therapy and security dogs may be on-site during the event
    • For everyone’s safety and security, the Oakdale Theatre’s safety protocol will be followed for orientation. Bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed on-site and will be searched prior to entry. Bags that are not clear will be subject to additional search.

    If you have questions or would like to request an accommodation specific to orientation at the Oakdale Theatre, please contact hhcorientation@hhchealth.org in advance of the scheduled orientation day. Each request will be reviewed in advance to provide support and accommodation as necessary.

    What to bring:

    • If you have completed all the above pre-employment requirements, just bring yourself
    • If you have not completed I-9 verification, you must bring accepted documentation found here
    • If you are running late or if any other unforeseen circumstance arise, please contact your recruiter
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    Orientation — Day 2

    Day 2 starts on your home computer, where you will complete 8 hours of learning.

    The morning will be a live Zoom facilitated session. The remainder of the day will be online learning which can be completed at your own pace (through our learning management system, HealthStream).

    Day 2 starts at 8am with a live facilitated Zoom session:

    • Join meeting - https://hartfordhealthcare.zoom.us/j/5539024544
    • Click “Open Zoom Meetings” in the dialogue box.
    • If you don’t see the dialogue box, click “Launch Meeting”.
    • Once the Zoom meeting launches, enter your first and last name and click “Join” to join the meeting. Click “Join Audio by Computer”. 
    • Preferred audio is computer and microphone. If you do not have computer audio, you can dial in: 1.646.876.9923. Enter 5539024544# when prompted. Mute computer.

    Make your Day 2 virtual experience successful from the start:

    • Log on to a computer 10-15 minutes before the start of the class to test your audio and camera.
    • Make sure you are in a safe and quiet environment so you can be in the moment during class.
    • Your audio should start on mute and your camera should be on.
    • Remember that this is a professional online meeting with your new employer. Make sure that your background and your attire are appropriate. We ask that you keep your cameras on throughout the Zoom sessions.
    • Find more Zoom tips

    It is important you use a computer and not a mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) to help avoid technical difficulties.

    Your online courses, which should be taken in this order, are:
     
    • HHC Learning Management System Training
    • HHC Required Learning
    • HHC End of Day Wellness Checklist

    Need help? Have questions? Find answers fast here >>

     

    Log in to complete this training

    Afterwards, you will come back to a live facilitated zoom session at 2:30 p.m. here: https://hartfordhealthcare.zoom.us/j/5539024544

    Make sure to pace yourself. Day 2 is designed to take 8 hours to complete. You may find that the courses take a few minutes longer than expected, but we still want to make sure you stop working after your full, 8-hour day.

    If you are not done with your courses after 8 hours, don’t worry. Just save your work and stop for the day. When you arrive at work, please let your manager know that you have some assignments to complete from your remote orientation.

    Not feeling well?

    If you are not feeling well and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, complete Day 2 if you are able, and contact your manager to discuss next steps.

    If you have tested positive for COVID-19 after your start date, please report your positive test here. A Colleague Health nurse will call you to discuss next steps. Contact your manager and follow the current HHC guidelines.

    Live Zoom

    8:00 am - 8:30 am
    Welcome Back

    8:30 am - 10:30 am
    HHC Safety Starts With Me - Building a High Reliability Organization (HRO)

    Online Training

    10:30 am - 2:30 pm
    Online Learning
    30-minute Lunch and Stretch

    Live Zoom

    2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
    Final check in

    Online Training

    3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
    Finish Online Learning
    Prep for Day 3 
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    Orientation — Day 3 and beyond starts in your new department

    Before your first day in your respective department, make sure you have completed all required pre-employment documentation and virtual learnings.

    If these steps are complete, then you are ready for your local onboarding!

    The following resources can be referenced after you have system access which you will receive from your manager during your first week. Be sure to come back to this page after you have received your system access/HHC credentials.

    You’ll need to do this to get paid and keep your personal information, like your mailing address, up to date.

    • Log in and familiarize yourself with HR Express
      HR Express is the place you will go to set up direct deposit, view your paycheck, update your personal and work data and more. Learn to use it now and it will be your best friend forever.

    • Set up direct deposit
      Do this in your first couple days of work so you can get paid fast. You will use HR Express to set up direct deposit during your first couple days at work. Learn more

    • Visit and familiarize yourself with HHC Connect
      This is HHC’s intranet, your one-stop shop to find everything you need to work and support your family.  If HR Express is your BFF, HHC Connect will be like your extended family! HHC Connect

    You will be able to do all of this from your mobile device once you have system access and learn to use two-factor authentication.

    Not feeling well?

    If you are not feeling well and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, contact your manager to review next steps.

    If you have tested positive for COVID-19 after your start date, please report your positive test here. A Colleague Health nurse will call you to discuss next steps. Contact your manager and follow the current HHC guidelines.

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    Continuing Education Credits — Get credit for your orientation time

    Hartford HealthCare is happy to support your Continuing Education (CE) needs through the CE Team in Academic Affairs.

    We are accredited by Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing EducationTM. Currently, we are able to provide accredited education for physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and psychologists, dependent on the specific credit the planners requested. All other participants receive a certificate of completion towards professional licenses and certifications.

    Which New Colleague Orientation (NCO) Classes are Eligible for CE Credit?

    Classes in NCO that are eligible for CE credit include the following, for a total of 6.75 hours:

    • Well-Being
    • Advancing Equity and Cultivating Belonging
    • Safety and Your Role
    • High Reliability Organization (HRO)
    • H3W Leadership Behaviors
    • HHC Required Learning
    • Human Experience Behaviors

    Claim Continuing Education Credit for NCO

    HHC uses an online website called CloudCME to manage all CE credit. If you would like Continuing Education hours for attending New Colleague Orientation, please follow the steps below:

    • AFTER you receive your HHC Network Credentials and email address
    • WITHIN 28 days of New Colleague Orientation

    1. Log in to our website at https://hhchealth.cloud-cme.com using your HHC Network Credentials (the username and password you use to log in to Epic, Outlook, or Kronos)

    • Do NOT create an account using your personal email as this will create multiple issues in locating your credits later on
    • This is best done using a device other than your cell phone
    • CloudCME works best with Google Chrome

    2. Complete the following fields in your CloudCME profile

    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Degree
    • Professional Designation (choose ONE only)
    • First name on badge (only your first name)
    • Mobile Phone Number
    • HHC Location
    • Medical Specialty (you can enter more than 1, such as Nursing and Oncology)
    • Department

    3. Save your profile

    4. Text your HHC email address to the CloudCME Attendance Line at 844.962.4001 to confirm your account and mobile phone are paired

    • PRO TIP: Save this number as a favorite, as you will use it to record your attendance at any CE activity across HHC

    5. Complete the evaluation for CE credits or scan the QR Code

    • Make sure you have completed Steps 1-4 first
    • You must complete this evaluation if you would like CE credits

    Where Do I Find the Continuing Education home page?

    Learn More About Continuing Education at HHC

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    Learn more — Optional resources to help you hit the ground running!

    Learn more about HHC’s benefits

    Hartford HealthCare offers a comprehensive benefits program to meet your needs. Some benefits you will need to enroll in, while others are provided automatically at no cost to you. You are eligible for benefits if the standard hours for your position are 24 hours or more. This allows you to enroll in medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverage. There are also benefits available to all colleagues, regardless of your standard hours. These include a 401k retirement account and our Employee Assistance Program (which provides free counseling and other emotional support).

    Other resources to help you learn about our benefits are the 2025 Benefits Guide, 2025 Benefits Plan Comparison Chart, and the Benefits Provider Networks documents.

    Important: If you want benefits, you must enroll within 31 days of your start date. Benefits become effective on the first day of the month following your start date. If you miss this deadline, the next time you can enroll is during open enrollment for the following year, unless you have a life event such as marriage or loss of coverage elsewhere.

    Test your knowledge with an expanded version of Benefitz.

    We heard a lot about H3W Leadership Behaviors

    Want to learn more? Listen to our H3W Leadership Behaviors podcast:

    Episode 1 with Talent Development Consultant Rhonda Papallo (16:37 minutes)

    Episode 2 with Senior Vice President of the Hartford HealthCare Community Network Eric Smullen (14:53 minutes)

    Episode 3 with Vice President of Health Equity for Hartford HealthCare Sarah Lewis (15:00 minutes)

    Podcast QR Codes:

    Episode 1

    Episode 1

    Episode 2

    Episode 2

    Episode 3

    Episode 3

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