Centralized Clinical Orientation/LAUNCH
HR (New Employee) Orientation
For first-day orientation information, select the appropriate link below:
Additional resource:
New Employee Resources | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
LAUNCH Orientation - begins Tuesday of week 1
For Nurses and Licensed Professionals
LAUNCH (Learning and Understanding Nationwide Children’s Hospital) is a centralized clinical orientation program for licensed professionals at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The program provides the essential knowledge needed to successfully perform clinical roles in a pediatric setting. Participants learn how to care for children, understand hospital policies, follow safety guidelines, and access key resources.
Mission
To ensure every new team member feels welcome and prepared to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Vision
For each participant to have a positive onboarding experience and succeed in their role as a valued member of ONE TEAM. This is supported through respect for individual strengths and access to the training, education, and tools needed for professional growth.
LAUNCH Orientation Roles
Nursing Licensed Professionals
Nursing Licensed Professionals participate in a combination of scheduled in-person or online classes and self-paced online modules. Select staff may also complete Skills Development sessions for hands-on clinical practice.
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Advanced Practice Provider (APRN and PA)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- RN Manager or Clinical Leader
- Other nursing roles
Non-Nursing Licensed Professionals
Non-Nursing Licensed Professionals complete a self-paced online program delivered entirely through virtual learning.
- Clinical Nutrition and Lactation
- Clinical Medical Social Work
- Respiratory Therapy
- Paramedic
- Other licensed clinical roles
Along with General New Employee and LAUNCH Orientation, your first week may include CPR/BLS certification, EPIC training, and/or time in your department. For details on centralized requirements, visit the Other Centralized Orientation Requirements tab. For department‑specific information, contact your leadership.
LAUNCH Orientation for Nursing Licensed Professionals
LAUNCH Orientation requirements for nursing professionals include scheduled in-person or online classes, along with self-paced online modules. Specific requirements are based on start date. Newly hired staff may coordinate optimal start dates with department leadership and the recruiting team.
Blended Learning (In-Person and Online)
2026 Start Weeks: Monday—General New Employee Orientation; Tuesday—LAUNCH Orientation begins.
- Jan. 5
- Feb. 2
- March 2
- April 13
- May 11
- June 1
- July 8
- Aug. 3
- Aug. 31
- Oct. 5
- Nov. 2
- Nov. 30
Requirements:
- Attend one eight-hour in-person class on Tuesday
- Complete self-paced online modules
Virtual (Online)
2026 Start Weeks: Monday—General New Employee Orientation; Tuesday—LAUNCH Orientation begins.
- Jan. 19
- Feb. 16
- March 30
- April 27
- June 15
- July 20
- Aug. 17
- Sept. 21
- Oct. 19
- Nov. 16
- Dec. 14
Requirements:
- Attend one 1.5-hour online session on Tuesday
- Complete self-paced online modules
Skills Development
Skills Development sessions provide hands-on experience to build knowledge and practice skills commonly used in the clinical setting. Enrollment is determined and coordinated by department leadership.
Requirement:
Available only to staff registered by department leadership. NICU staff are excluded.
Schedule:
Sessions are held on Thursday of the blended LAUNCH orientation week. Schedules are subject to change, and sessions may be offered during virtual weeks if needed.
- 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- 12:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Questions:
Contact department leadership or email LAUNCH@nationwidechildrens.org
Additional resource:
Nursing at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
LAUNCH Orientation for Non-Nursing Licensed Professionals
LAUNCH Orientation requirements for non-nursing licensed professionals and internal RN transfers consist of a self-paced online program completed entirely through virtual learning.
Online Program
2026 Start Weeks: Monday—General New Employee Orientation; Tuesday—LAUNCH Orientation begins.
- Jan. 5
- Jan. 19
- Feb. 2
- Feb. 16
- March 2
- March 30
- April 13
- April 27
- May 11
- June 1
- June 15
- July 6
- July 20
- Aug. 3
- Aug. 17
- Aug. 31
- Sept. 21
- Oct. 5
- Oct. 19
- Nov. 2
- Nov. 16
- Nov. 30
- Dec. 14
Requirements:
- Complete self-paced online modules
Other Centralized Orientation Requirements
CPR/ BLS Certification
Requirement:
Staff without an active CPR or BLS certification, or whose certification expires within 90 days.
Schedule:
Wednesday of hire, 8 a.m. to noon. Dates and times are subject to change.
Location:
Second floor of the Conference Center
Contact:
CPRCommunications@nationwidechildrens.org
Electronic Health Record (EHR)/ Epic Training
This training introduces the Epic electronic health record system.
Requirement:
All staff must complete EHR training before beginning documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of hire. Approximately three to four hours of in-person training. Dates and times are subject to change. Some departments or roles may complete EHR training through self-paced, computer-based learning. Confirm details with department leadership.
- Wednesday: Perioperative, OR, PACU (afternoon)
- Thursday: Ambulatory and Respiratory Therapy (morning); Behavioral Health inpatient (afternoon)
- Friday: Inpatient and NICU (morning); ASAP and PCD (afternoon)
*Official training days and locations will be confirmed closer to hire date
Location:
Near East Office Building
Contact:
NEImailbox@nationwidechildrens.org
Training Locations and Parking
- Conference Center, 520 Butterfly Gardens Drive, Columbus, OH
- Education Building, 575 S 18th St., Columbus, OH
- Near East Office Building, 431 S. 18th St., Columbus, OH
Parking information will be provided closer to the orientation date.
Note: Additional orientation beyond centralized clinical orientation is department- or unit-based.