Tips to Elevate Staff Education and Engagement

Learning new information, processes, and skills can be daunting for employees, and educators behind the lessons can find the experience challenging as well. Increasing the odds of success from both sides lies in providing education that is engaging, inspiring, unique in its approach, and fun.

Although many Sterile Processing (SP) educators and managers tap creative learning approaches during certain times of the year, such as Sterile Processing Week each October, they could benefit their teams far more by applying some of that creativity yearlong. To deliver more engaging educational inservices or formal training sessions, I encourage educators to pick a topic or theme that clearly sets expectations with employees about what they will learn. Last year, we had a “Summer of Soft Skills” at my facility, where we focused on soft skills development, the power of a positive attitude, and encouraged all employees to be their best. We had experienced industry speakers teach about various related topics that inspired our employees and encouraged them to keep sharpening their knowledge and skill sets, personally and professionally.   

I believe that SP educators and leaders should always pay close attention to their hardworking teams to ensure their staff members are recognized for going above and beyond with their contributions and receive the support needed during challenging times or where additional targeted training would help them develop confidence and proficiency with a new process. Educators should think about how they can acknowledge the SP team across all shifts and provide educational opportunities that promote teamwork and encourage full-scale participation. Interactive games tailored to the SP work environment and specific areas or processes, for example, can be quite effective. In my facility, we use an online learning platform (called Kahoot!) that has helped make learning more engaging and memorable. It not only lets educators generate multiple-choice quizzes related to our discipline, but educational games can be accessed through a web browser or app and played in groups or individually. The games can be played in conference rooms or break areas, allowing employees to learn and team build in a relaxed setting outside hectic work areas.

Crossword puzzles can also be beneficial, helping employees learn and recall instrument or equipment names, specialty surgery types, and current standards and guidelines, for example. Each of these games can assist with memory recall and concentration while also introducing or reinforcing new concepts that can be discussed in greater detail during more traditional educational sessions. Educators can also help run in-department contests where employees demonstrate how to wrap the most challenging items. It is an entertaining yet educational way to assess neatness, accuracy, consistency, and efficiency with a practice they perform regularly within the department. Personally, I have discovered that friendly competition can boost employee confidence and technical acumen, especially when the contest ensures every employee is given the same challenge and adequate space to perform the task. 

Perhaps the best way to teach and inspire employees is to remain committed to new ways of knowledge-building and educational support. No single teaching approach will work best for all employees, so trying new methods (and adjusting as needed) will help ensure all staff members feel inspired and eager to engage in the training. Given the extensive amount of information that SP technicians must know and apply to be effective in their roles each day—and how rapidly that knowledge must evolve to keep up with advancements in technology, specialties, standards, and more—the importance of quality, engaging education can never be overestimated. The more memorable and engaging the training is, the more likely the information will be retained and applied effectively.