It's conference season for AORN and Sterile Processing, and while online options are still available, in-person events are back on the table. These conferences offer a wealth of educational sessions and events that contribute to attendees' overall well-being. However, in my opinion, the true highlight of these events is the networking opportunities they provide. Networking can also be approached in a more strategic manner. Rather than having staff members leave the department to attend educational sessions and networking events, a manager or department educator can improve the networking experience by organizing in-services within the department.
Live Event Networking
Networking sessions at live events offer attendees the chance to reconnect with former colleagues and friends, as well as make new professional connections. These sessions are particularly beneficial for directors and managers seeking solutions to challenges in their departments. As stated in an article by Healthcare Purchasing News, Julie Williamson, HSPA Communications Director stated, “frequent and focused communication amongst peers and other professionals can build knowledge and support within one's discipline and organization, challenge individuals to think more strategically and innovatively, and create new professional opportunities.”
Networking for Information and Education
Networking also offers the value of providing an extra resource library for individuals seeking information and education. In a Forbes article, networking is likened to websites built specifically to address different questions in a discipline. Both can be used as additional resources for professionals.
In-Department Education and Networking
Networking can be approached in a more strategic manner to enhance the experience for staff members. Instead of having them leave the department to attend educational sessions and networking events, a manager or department educator can organize in-services within the department. Manufacturing representatives, whether they speak for instrument companies or providers of consumable products or services, are typically well-equipped to offer education and other valuable perspectives directly to department staff. For instance, Bioseal provides a service where representatives offer disposable products, including instruments and single-use devices, while also providing continuing education units to members of sterile processing teams. This approach brings a new perspective not only to the products and services provided within a department but also to real-time experiences from representatives who observe different approaches to common challenges faced in sterile processing and operating rooms.
Other Benefits of Networking
Networking provides benefits beyond simply gathering data and innovative solutions for a department. It also provides other important values, particularly in today's healthcare landscape where burnout is a widespread issue among operating room and sterile processing team members. The healthcare industry recognizes the significance of addressing the overall health and well-being of instrument reprocessors and end-users. At the AORN national conference held in San Antonio, Texas in April, a goat yoga experience was provided, offering a soothing harmony of mind, body, nature, and animals. Additionally, numerous articles have been published on the topic of work burnout. Ultimately, networking fosters social connectedness, which engages the feeling of belonging to a social community and being supported and connected.
Networking for Career Growth
Networking provides opportunities for growth in a career ladder in your profession. As stated in a Forbes article, the saying "no man is an island" has been proven to be the reason why many individuals need to make a collective effort in the bid to achieve professional success. For many individuals who have succeeded in their careers, their strong networking channels have contributed largely to their success.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, live event networking provides numerous benefits for professionals in the healthcare industry, from reconnecting with colleagues and making new connections to gaining knowledge and education resources. It can also enhance in-department education and offer unique perspectives on common challenges. Additionally, networking promotes social connectedness and can contribute to career growth and success. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, networking remains a valuable tool for professionals to stay connected, informed, and supported.