unknown — is key to a successful survey. Patricia Thorbin, RN, BS,
CPHQ, director of quality improvement for Watson Clinic in Lakeland,
Fla., says sending employees to continuing education programs host-
ed by accrediting agencies or consultants prepares them like nothing
else can. "It helps them to have a framework," she says.
When surveyors walk around, they'll be asking your staff questions
on their job descriptions, policies, initiatives and other need-to-know
items, says Kim Reeser, BSN, RN, CAPA, assistant nurse manager at
the Reading Hospital in Reading, Pa. Ms. Reeser takes answers to
questions asked during previous surveys, like current hospital initia-
tives or the name of the regulatory officer, and makes them available
by placing them on the hospital's website or in cards kept in employ-
ees' name badges. "It's all about making that information very accessi-
ble and handy," says Betsy Adams, MSN, RN, CPAN, nurse manager at
Reading Hospital.
Monthly meetings dedicated to discussing policy changes and other
potential survey questions can also keep your staff on their toes, says
Elodia Flores, RN, BSN, CASC, vice president of operations at
Outpatient Healthcare Strategies. Another tip? Hire a third party to
come in a few months ahead of time and perform a mock survey to
spot potential dings and prepare everyone for the real deal, she says.
"You have to include your employees," says Ms. Flores. "There needs
to be alignment in your facility from top to bottom."
2. Sync policies
Surveys typically require you to show that you have a policy to meet
every standard set by the accrediting agency, and that you regularly
update and review those policies. Not an easy job, experts say. "That's
where the majority of the time prepping for the survey is spent," says
Ms. Flores. She suggests you make it palatable by "taking it (the stan-
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