sterile processing
sterile processing
By Marie Brewer , CST , CRCST , CIS , CHL , CER , GTS , CLSSBB
Effective Conflict Management is Critical to SPD Quality
The challenges leaders may face are many , but some more common examples that can cause conflict avoidance , communication breakdown and even dread include providing critical feedback to a team member , terminating employment , mediating conflict between department team members and interdisciplinary colleagues , taking accountability for errors , addressing process failures , reporting employee misconduct , and more .”
In the fast-paced , demanding sterile processing ( SP ) environment , managers and supervisors encounter difficult situations that can be uncomfortable to address . As much as many leaders , especially less-experienced ones , might dread conflict , its effective management and mitigation is vital to preventing situations from worsening and contributing to poor performance and service quality , communication breakdown , and diminished employee and customer satisfaction .
The challenges leaders may face are many , but some more common examples that can cause conflict avoidance , communication breakdown and even dread include providing critical feedback to a team member , terminating employment , mediating conflict between department team members and interdisciplinary colleagues , taking accountability for errors , addressing process failures , reporting employee misconduct , and more . Leaders must realize that workplace problems rarely if ever resolve on their own .
Although leaders may have an emotional response to managing conflict , it is essential that they have the knowledge and confidence to respond to challenges appropriately , empathetically and effectively . For my personal leadership journey , I learned some excellent strategies through reading books , articles and studies about how to lead effectively . One resource that I especially found beneficial was the bestselling book Dare to Lead : Brave Work . Tough Conversations . Whole Hearts . I ’ ve revisited the author ’ s words to help formulate the best approach to handling difficult conversation and situations , both in the sterile processing departments ( SPDs ) I lead and with the healthcare customers we serve . Dare to Lead provides targeted approaches to help leaders become more courageous and effective in their roles . The author reminds readers that when leaders embrace uncertainty — rather than run away from it — they develop vital skills to face difficulties and even use them for growth and improvement opportunities .
Good managers lead by values , trust and accountability When a leader ’ s intentions , communications and actions align with one ’ s values , success will be a far more likely out- come . More specifically , the best leaders remain aligned with personal and organizational values when receiving or giving feedback . Being on the receiving end of critical feedback can be even more challenging — but when values are shared and incorporated into conflict resolution within a department or across a health system , powerful and positive outcomes and improvements can be realized . Unfortunately , many facilities fail to train leaders effectively and provide them with the skills and resources necessary to uphold shared values . Setting and communicating clear expectations and providing essential educational resources and other professional support are essential for setting baseline expectations , promoting accountability and fostering a positive , supportive work culture .
Vulnerability stemming from challenges and experiences is often difficult for leaders to navigate . On the other hand , experiences ( even the most difficult ones ) can spur powerful change if managed by brave , thoughtful leaders . Committing to ongoing learning and personal , employee and departmental improvement can promote a more positive culture for the leader and their collective teams , while also helping to align the team for improved outcomes and accountability . Further , it can help increase a leader ’ s empathy , which helps boost communication , understanding and connection with employees and customers .
The book also shares the importance of trust for effective leadership . According to Dare to Lead , it is essential to set effective boundaries and expectations , promote reliability by never overpromising and underdelivering , and owning up to mistakes and working to ensure their do not continue to recur .
Resiliency is also tied strongly to effective leadership . Many leaders struggle to manage their own emotions in difficult situation , which can lead to them offloading their worries and angst onto others . Such an occurrence can erode relationships and trust , so it is vital that leaders work to adopt a positive curiosity for conflict mitigation and error mitigation . Learning to explore and better understand one ’ s one emotions is a worthwhile endeavor , as is learning and practicing stress-reduction and calming strategies .
Failure ( or even the belief that one is failing ) in the workplace can be emotionally painful , upsetting and uncomfortable , but every leader needs to remember that professional setback are part of their professional journey and present opportunities for personal and professional growth . Leaders should be proactive when teaching their staff members about resiliency instead of waiting until conflict or negative outcomes arise . Employees are more likely to embrace new opportunities if they are supported by leadership and can feel confident that they can safely recover from setbacks .
In conclusion , growing and thriving as a leader is not about perfection and avoiding failure ( which , despite even the best efforts , can at times be unavoidable ). Instead , leaders must be courageous enough to see vulnerability and even negative outcomes as opportunities for positive improvement — and they must also strive to nurture and cultivate that same understanding with their employees .
Marie Brewer , CST , CRCST , CIS , CHL , CER , GTS , CLSSBB , serves as sterile processing manager for St . Luke ’ s Hospital , Finley Hospital and Jones Regional Medical Center in Iowa . She has served as a columnist for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association ( HSPA ) since 2022 .
22 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • august 2024