As one aims to climb the SP leadership ladder , practicing and perfecting these traits and skills will not only positively define them as a professional , but as an effective leader .” reaffirm one ’ s commitment to doing what is best for the patient .
Serve as a trusted advocate . Patient safety must be every healthcare professional ’ s priority and must always serve as the foundation for all that is done within the department . Maintaining that focus will guide SP professionals to become the best leaders possible . Effective leaders also advocate for their employees . Telling the operating room team that the SP team accomplished a monumental task and was able to prepare everything needed in a short period of time , for example , helps build the respect and interdisciplinary teamwork , and shows the employees that they are supported and appreciated . The same is true when problems arise . If an employee is berated by a customer for a mistake or an unwillingness to rush a process to meet unrealistic turnaround demands , for example , intervening on the employee ’ s behalf ( or guiding them toward an effective discussion / response ) can help improve future service delivery and expectations .
Demonstrate fairness : Leaders must always strive to treat each member of the team as equally valuable contributors . Frequent rounding of the department is a great way to engage and interact with all members of the team and to keep a steady finger on the pulse of what ’ s happening each day and with all employees .
Maintain integrity : Integrity is an essential trait for every SP professional , regardless of title . A leader whose integrity never wavers helps clearly show what is expected of the entire team , regardless of the challenges that may arise . It also demonstrates that separate rules don ’ t apply for leaders and technicians — a point that helps instill trust and mutual respect . A leader that possesses and demonstrates strong integrity , respect and a desire to treat everyone fairly and equally creates a healthy atmosphere of “ psychological safety .”
As one aims to climb the SP leadership ladder , practicing and perfecting these traits and skills will not only positively define them as a professional , but as an effective leader . Good leaders will always be needed and if an SP professionals is willing to put in the work , their time will certainly come .
Tony Thurmond , CRCST , CIS , CHL , is central service manager at Dayton Children ’ s Hospital .
We ’ ll focus on giving you a lighter workload .
Count on scheduled service visits from Cintas to help you achieve a clean and prepared healthcare environment . We will provide you with hygienically cleaned rental scrubs and professionally laundered mats , healthcare-grade ultrafine microfiber , replenishment of hand sanitizer , fire protection services and more .
cintas . com