Welcome to CHEO
We’re really excited to have you as part of the CHEO team! The resources, links and step-by-step instructions in this portal are meant to support you throughout your onboarding experience - from the time you sign on the dotted line to when you celebrate your first-year anniversary.
Our goal is to make your transition as smooth as possible and set you up for success. If you have any suggestions to enhance this CHEO Onboarding portal, don’t hesitate to send us your thoughts. We wish you a long and fulfilling career at CHEO.
Useful tip: make sure to add this page to your Favorites as you’re bound to come back to it again and again.
Jump to the information you need
Before your start date
We know you're excited to get started at CHEO, but it's important that you fill out and submit your paperwork so we can complete your employee file and get you up and running. The information below will help you make sure that you don’t miss anything important.
Act now! Delays in submitting your required paperwork can impact when you are paid and your access to CHEO systems.
- Sign your letter of offer
- Submit required documentation, including proof of immunizations!
Getting the paperwork done |
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Most required documentation will be collected and completed in Workday (HR solution). Please follow the instructions provided by your Recruitment Coordinator. Forms required by Occupational Health & Wellness (OHW) will need to be returned by email. Documents to send to OHW@cheo.on.ca:
Note: If you are unsure of your immunization status, there are many ways to obtain copies of your immunization history.
These documents are mandatory for all new hires and must be submitted to Occupational Health & Wellness by email, fax (613-738-4826) or in-person and not via Workday. |
Preparing for your first day |
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What to wear No need to wear your finest clothes on your first day. Business casual will do just fine, unless other instructions have been provided to you ahead of time.Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. CHEO is a scent-free hospital. Where to go Your manager/supervisor will confirm via email where you should go on your first day. If you have not received this information a few days ahead, reach out to them directly. How to get to CHEO CHEO's main campus is located at 401 Smyth Road. You can easily get to CHEO by public transit or car. There are also bike racks spread across the campus. CHEO also has several clinics and programs located in Ottawa, Cornwall and Renfrew. Visit the Map and locations page. Where to park If you are coming to CHEO's main campus, you may park in the Visitor Parking - Lot A which is adjacent to the Garry Cardiff Wing (only allowed on Day 1 — refer to Maps and locations page above). If you are coming to another CHEO location, your supervisor will inform you where best to park. Visit our Parking page for more information on parking costs, how to pay and other helpful tips. Important: make sure to bring your ticket with you when you enter the building! How to protect yourself & others If you are feeling unwell, we ask that you report your illness through the CHEO Screening. This will ensure you are emailed directions about when you can return and how to work self-isolate when you do return. For latest information and guidance on masking at CHEO, visit our Masks webpage. If you will be in direct contact with patients in your new position: How to find your way around CHEO Wayfinding signs are typically found at the beginning and end of hallways, as well as next to elevators. You might want to check out this short video before the big day. Navigation tip: What is referred to as “Level 1” is actually the basement. What is called “Level 2” is actually the main floor. Where to eat
Skip the line! You can place an online lunch order for the Rainbow Cafeteria and pick up your pre-paid items using the Caf-to-go mobile ordering service. This is available weekdays, during the lunch hours. |
Confirm details for your Corporate Orientation session |
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You will attend the Corporate Welcome and Safety Habits training on your start date. To confirm details, please refer to the Welcome to CHEO email that you would have received from the Talent Acquisition team. Should you have any questions about your onboarding or orientation, please respond directly to your welcome email. |

Your first day and week
The big day has finally arrived and you are probably experiencing all sorts of emotions — excitement at the thought of embarking on a new adventure and perhaps also a bit of nervousness. This is absolutely normal!
The information below will help you navigate this special day.
Highlights:
- Meet and greet
- Getting set up
Your first day tasks |
1. Before the Corporate Orientation Session, make sure to pick up your CHEO ID badge at Security and Parking between 7:30-9am:
Important: you must wear your CHEO ID badge at all times when on-site. 2. Attend the Corporate Orientation and Safety Habits Sessions
Your welcome letter provides room location details. 3. At the end of the Corporate Orientation Day:
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Your first week tasks |
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Learn more about CHEO |
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Your first month
During your first month, everything will likely still feel pretty new. Your main focus should be on completing the mandatory training requirements and getting acquainted with your new colleagues, environment, and culture.
Highlights:
- Mandatory training
- Tools and policies
- Reflect and learn
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Complete your mandatory training |
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Get acquainted |
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Your first three to six months
At this point, you are probably beginning to feel more comfortable in your position. You have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate your skills and feel like you are truly making a difference. What’s more, you are more at ease with your colleagues, environment, and culture and that makes things a lot easier.
Highlights:
- Stay in the know
- Build your network
- Share your perspective
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Ease into life CHEO |
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At the three-month mark |
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Important reminder: Coughlin & Associates will mail your benefit card a few weeks after your benefits become active (i.e. at the end of the probation period). |
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At the six-month mark |
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Your one-year anniversary
Congratulations to you! You have done and learned so much over the last twelve months and you are hopefully filled with pride. This is the perfect time to take a look back on your accomplishments and think about the path ahead.
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Take a look back |
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At this stage, you will be invited to attend a one-year anniversary celebration with the CEO, along with others who were hired around the same time as you. In preparation for this event, reflect on your experience so far:
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Move forward |
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The future is ripe with possibilities. Here’s your chance to set a course for your future. Sit down with your leader to talk about your performance and growth:
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Frequently asked questions
Logistics
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How can I get a parking pass? |
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CHEO has a limited number of parking spaces for use by staff, medical staff and learners working on site. If you would like to apply for a parking space, you must bring your valid CHEO ID badge to the Security Office on the 2nd floor of the hospital (near the Emergency department). You will be asked to complete a Parking Enrolment Form. CHEO also offers a secure bike compound, located beside the Helicopter pad. Go to the Security office to get a key. A cash deposit of $20.00 is required, and $15.00 will be refunded when you return the key. |
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Where can I find an ATM? |
| Automated banking machines (ATMs) are located beside each of the parking pay station kiosks, and one is located in CHEO’s main entryway. |
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Where can I get a locker? |
| You can get a locker key from the Security Office (near the Emergency department). A $15.00 deposit is required, and is refunded to you when the key is returned to Security. |
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How should I dress to come to work? |
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Clothing should be business casual, of a length that presents a professional image, clean and in good repair. Sweat pants, tank tops, denim jeans, mini-skirts, short/cycling/sports shorts and leggings are not considered appropriate attire. Uniforms/scrubs with appropriate pediatric prints are encouraged. On casual Fridays, staff members who are not required to wear uniforms at work may dress more casually. |
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How do I register my ID badge for scrubs? |
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To access scrubs, you will need to fill out the OR Scrub Portal form on CHEOnet and confirm size, badge/ID number and unit. Once your registration is processed, you will be able to swipe your badge at the scrub machine to access your scrubs. |
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How do I submit a ticket to Information Services (IS)? |
| If you are having trouble with a computer at CHEO, you must log a ticket with the IS Helpdesk (under “My Apps”.) For urgent support, you can speak to them at x4357 (HELP), leave them a voicemail quickly at x3098. |
Scheduling
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How often do I get paid? Where can I access my paystubs? |
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You are paid on a bi-weekly basis, every other Friday, via direct deposit. You may view your paystubs online in Workday or by using the direct links posted on CHEOnet and the Staff Portal. Remember to check your pay on a regular basis and follow up with your leader if you have any questions. (Hint: Add the "Pay" app to your home page in Workday! Find the steps in this tipsheet. If you have more questions about navigating Workday, visit the BOP Learning Centre.) |
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How do I access my schedule? How do I fill out my timesheet? |
All time entry will be done in:
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Who should I notify if I can’t come into work? |
| You should report absences, as soon as possible prior to the start of the shift, and according to your unit or department's reporting protocol. |
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How do I go about requesting time off? |
Time off requests will also be done in:
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How many breaks am I allowed during a shift? What about meal time? |
For non-union and/or management staff:
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Am I allowed to do overtime? |
For non-union and/or management staff:
For unionized staff:
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What statutory holidays am I entitled to? |
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CHEO recognizes nine Statutory Holidays during the calendar year:
The Hospital also recognizes two Other Holidays during the calendar year:
Each year, all permanent full time CHEO employees, are also granted one additional paid Float Holiday. This day is to be taken on a day mutually agreed upon between the employee and the supervisor. |
Benefits
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What services are available through the Employee and Family Assistance Program? |
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CHEO staff/medical staff along with their dependent family members have access to a full range of health and wellness services as part of our benefits package provided under the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) through Homewood Health. CHEO staff/medical staff and their families can call the numbers below any time day or night, 365 days of the years. In an emergency, immediate support is available. Please be assured when you use the program, it is in complete confidentiality. More information
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What pension benefits am I entitled to as a member of HOOPP? |
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The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) is one of Canada’s largest and most respected defined benefit (DB) pension plans. Take some time to to review The HOOPP Handbook which provides you with an overview of the main features of your HOOPP pension and how it can help provide financial security when you retire. For more information, connect with the Employment Service Officers team. |
Additional resources
Find your Talent Acquisition Specialist or Coordinator
Erin Glas |
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Email: EGlas@cheo.on.ca Please contact Erin for your recruitment needs within:
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Stephanie Ignacz |
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E-mail: SIgnacz@cheo.on.ca Please contact Stephanie for your recruitment needs within:
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Caitlin Kemmett |
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E-mail: CKemmett@cheo.on.ca Please contact Caitlin for your recruitment needs within:
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Eniola Owabumowa |
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E-mail: EOwabumowa@cheo.on.ca Please contact Eniola for your recruitment needs within:
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Hannah Rolland |
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E-mail: HRolland@cheo.on.ca Please contact Hannah for your recruitment needs within:
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Emily Tennian |
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E-mail: ETennian@cheo.on.ca Please contact Emily for your recruitment needs within:
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Thank you
Much appreciation to those who shared their expertise to make this CHEO Onboarding portal possible. There are too many to list here, but they know who they are!

