Buy lunch. Although it might seem like a simple solution,
covering lunches is more efficient if you order lunch on busy
days. The key is to have lunch available when people get time to eat.
When staffing is short and cases are heavy, have some pizzas
delivered in time for everyone to enjoy. Make sure the food gets
delivered early enough for the first group out, as well. If lunch is being
arranged, make sure that it doesn't arrive at 12:30 p.m. Usually the
pre-op and OR staff are ready to eat by 11 a.m. if they started their
day at 6:30 a.m., and getting a break for lunch without food available
doesn't fly.
Groom up-and-coming leaders. I don't have to tell you that it's
becoming more and more challenging to find the right fit for
surgical leadership positions. Start mentoring the best and brightest
who demonstrate the skills to be a good leader. You can train the right
person who has the insight, energy and drive to be your next team lead
or manager. Look for staff who show motivation, positivity,
responsibility and trustworthiness. Mentoring is one of the most
important things we can do to support the future staffing leadership
needs. Assign key tasks that support leadership growth like QAPI
studies, infection control monitoring or peer review projects. Then,
when a new role or opportunity becomes available, the right person is
ready for the challenge.
OSM
Ms. Mattson (leslie@almss.com) is a nurse consultant with ALM Surgical
Solutions in Atlanta, Ga., which offers surgical consulting and support. Check
out her blog, A Scrub's Life, at ascrubslife.com.
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