International Sterile Processing (CSSD) week is Oct. 11th -17th, 2020. CSSD week each year is often celebrated with lunch for the staff and a few trinkets to commemorate the week. Most gifts are not individualized and are mass-marketed for the occasion.
I have learned that the best-received gifts are thoughtfully given and especially picked for each staff member. Cost is not a determining factor. As a manager of the sterile processing department, I was able to budget for sterile processing week, albeit a small sum, and then take that sum and purchase small gifts for each one of my staff. My team was not large at that time. I had roughly 17 technicians or so who reported to me.
The first step in recognizing your staff is getting to know your team on a personal level. One of my recommendations is to see if your workplace uses a personality trait test and have all staff take it. It will not only help you learn how to recognize your staff on an individual basis, but it helps provide information on how to work through other workplace dilemmas too. It is also a great tool to have when you hold your one on one monthly meetings with your staff.
Step number two is planning ahead. Depending on the number of staff you have reporting to you, you may need to ask for help from your leadership team. For my team, it took me several months to shop and purchase gifts.
Last, as many of us already do, utilize your vendors to supply lunch or some other form of food. I could break up offerings and provide breakfast items, cakes or cookies, and even ice cream throughout the week with their help.
CSSD week is a time to reflect on all of our hard work and celebrate successes with our staff. However, don't forget it is not the only time to celebrate. Celebrate all of the small wins too. If you can, occasionally surprise your team with some small offerings throughout the year. In my last position, I purchased Ms. Smith's pies at Christmas time for each staff member. As a team, we celebrate birthdays. Saying thanks goes a long way, but do it thoughtfully.
At Evolved Sterile Processing, our consultants have a greater focus on sterile processing. With our decades of experience, we will help you develop better processes and educational resources for your staff.
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