While celebrating National CS Week is always wise – after all, if CSSD professionals don’t take some time to toot their own horn and highlight their important role, who will? – one could reasonably argue that this year, in particular, may be even more worthy of attention.

Media outlets continue to report that a record number of hospitals are still operating in the red, and those financial shortcomings often translate into fewer dedicated dollars for staffing, equipment and even instrumentation. If the C-suite isn’t well-versed on the CSSD’s vital contributions – and if other key departments and customers, such as infection control and the Operating Room, aren’t helping to validate CSSD’s critical importance – the CSSD just may be one of the departments to watch its already-tight resources wane. The good news is a successfully planned CS Week can help put the department and the collective CSSD team in the much-deserved spotlight, and keep it there.

If your CSSD hasn’t already begun preparing, it’s not too late. But be aware that a well-executed CS Week takes time and thoughtful consideration, so the sooner planning begins, the greater your chances for pulling off a rewarding and memorable seven days.

Because CS Week is a time to let your hardworking team shine, managers should devise a plan to give their staff some well-deserved encouragement and morale-boosting pats on the back. Although a catered onsite meal or designated "appreciation" outing for staff is often well-received, managers should also strive for a more personalized approach, according to IAHCSMM president Lisa Huber.

"A small, yet personal gift or token of appreciation can go a long way. And don’t underestimate the value of giving a personalized, handwritten note to each employee to thank them for their hard work," she said. "Some of the most meaningful gestures cost the least. "

Proper planning also means making the most of each day in CS Week. A department party is fun and can serve as a spirited kick-off to the week, but stopping with a single celebratory event signals some missed opportunities. With the assistance of their staff, CSSD managers should plan for a broad range of events that will capture the attention of not only the department’s own team, but also the CSSD’s many healthcare customers (including, but not limited to, the Operating Room), representatives from infection control, risk management and human resources, materials management, and administrators and other C-level executives. Inviting and even partnering with Corporate Communications can also pay big dividends because these individuals can help announce CS Week festivities well in advance in facility newsletters and other public forums.

Among the most memorable CS Weeks are those that plan for a different activity each day. On Day One, for example, the department may wish to host a staff-only celebration, complete with food and beverage, or a personalized cake, and fun, yet educational games to test CSSD-related knowledge. Managers may also wish to give personalized awards to staff members for a job well done or a positive trait – such as strong leadership skills – that has led to improvements within the department. (Note: Managers must be sure to include all employees from all shifts. This does require some advance planning, however, failure to do so may leave some staff members feeling excluded and unappreciated. ) Day Two might include a departmental tour whereby all hospital staff are invited to participate and witness first-hand the CSSD’s many contributions and successes (and, in some cases, even challenges). Day Three may offer vendor inservices, for example, or include a guest speaker who can educate on CSSD’s essential role in patient safety, infection prevention and quality care. On the fourth day, perhaps, the CSSD may set up a television in common areas and continuously play the new IAHCSMM DVD "It All Starts Here," and so on.

Has your department risen above a key challenge or obstacle, or reached a notable goal (such as achieving departmental-wide employee certification or significantly reducing flash sterilization)? Now is the time to highlight those accomplishments. Some CSSDs have found success by creating detailed poster presentations and displaying them in common areas (and delegating staff members to be on hand to answer questions).

Others have even recruited the assistance of the local media, inviting them to their departments to provide editorial coverage on their accomplishments and ongoing commitment to quality customer service and patient safety. In the very least, it may be wise to reach out to the local media to announce the facility’s plans for celebrating CS Week; the hospital’s Corporate Communications department can issue a press release that may be published in local newspapers or online.