Fallen Stars and Shining Stars: Which Does Your SPD Have?

You may want to rethink your fallen star and focus on the potential within the department. The possibility exists that there is a “shining star” amongst the team that could benefit from mentoring and opportunity. I’ve met several SPD technicians who have become excellent SPD supervisors, managers and directors. During my tenure, my path has included technician III, supervisor, manager, and eventually director of an SPD. This experience has led to my current career as a healthcare consultant. My success is a direct result of someone seeing my potential as a shining star and mentoring me along the way.

Be patient and research your options. Consulting companies can assist with the mentoring of any shining star you may have or provide you with interim management until the right person is selected. Doesn’t it make more sense to invest in temporary support until you find the right candidate, as opposed to promoting the fallen star who, more than likely, won’t last more than a couple of years? If you aren’t from the SPD world, you have no idea how stressful and thankless the position can be from management down to staffing.

In order to help meet staff members’ needs, you must understand them. SPD supports ORs, emergency departments, labor and delivery departments, and many others. Don’t sacrifice your organization by jeopardizing patient care because someone wants to cut corners in the SPD.