The Power of Courtesy: How Environmental Services Technicians Can Show Respect to Patients

As Environmental Services (EVS) professionals, we play a crucial role in healthcare beyond just cleaning rooms and disinfecting surfaces. We are often the first and last hospital staff members a patient sees each day, and the way we carry ourselves can significantly impact their experience. A clean room provides comfort, but a kind interaction can bring true peace of mind.

Wide Area Vacuums -vs- 36″ Dust Mops

Research to look at the efficiencies of using the traditional 36″ dust mops versus battery powered wide area vacuums for cleaning our hospital hallways.

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Team Leadership Reflections part 2

As a leader, your communication sets the tone for interaction among your people. This simple yet profound truth underscores the importance of clear, consistent, and intentional communication in shaping the culture and success of any team. Leadership is not merely about issuing directives or setting goals; it’s about fostering connections and empowering others to contribute their strengths to a shared vision.

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Increasing In-patient satisfaction for Environmental Services

Improving inpatient satisfaction with housekeeping services is essential for creating a positive and comfortable healthcare environment. Patients who feel well-cared for in terms of cleanliness and organization are more likely to have a better overall experience. Here are some strategies to enhance inpatient satisfaction with housekeeping: Remember that patient satisfaction is often influenced by the…

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Development as a Choice

Development matters. It matters to you, personally, your team, your leader, and our organization overall. If you are growing in your role or building your career for the next step, you are energized, excited, and hopeful of what is to come. When you carry this energy, excitement and hope around with you each day at…

What Kind of Leader are You

“I am certainly not one of those who need to be prodded. In fact, If anything, I am the prod” `Winston Churchill. I like this quote because I don’t want to be one who waits to be told, I force myself to take action, to learn something new everyday, and to gently but firmly prod…

$10,000 heated toilet

For most people, all they require from their toilet is that it flushes without blocking itself. But now a new high-tech toilet has been launched which includes a heated seat, a massage function, and two ‘sanitizing nozzles’ which it claims eliminates the need for toilet paper. It even includes a lid which automatically opens and…

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Positive Recognition

  Survey after survey shows employees consider recognition as one of the top desires in any job. Yet those same surveys show little recognition is received. How much of a leaders success is hindered by their lack of recognition for the work their employees do. People who feel appreciated are more positive about themselves and…

Floor Finish Dry Time

Most of us understand that floor finish performance is greatly enhanced by allowing adequate dry time. But, few people understand why this is so important and what mechanism is at work. Floor finish contains many independent ingredients such as water, polymer, resin, wax, plasticizer, coalescing agent and defoamer that, when combined together, form a stable,…

Hello Everyone

I’m sorry that I have been inconsistent, or non-existent in updating this website over the past few months. I’m working on so many things I’ve put my time in other areas. Soon I will be adding new content, longer posts that have greater emphasis in learning, team building, and inspiring your staff to greatness. Remember…

Why Measure Environmental Services Quality Daily

  Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. ~Willa A Foster All hospital environmental service departments have some form of quality assurance process. However often the cleaning inspections are done when it is slow,…

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Improve your relationships with staff

Here are five things that environmental service leaders should do to improve relationships with staff. Be Visible with Rounding Rounding should include one-on-one rounds with your staff. Ask what is working well and what they need from you to do a better job. Appoint a department champion Identify a department champion who is well respected…

Which Disinfectant Should I Use

Another great question and answer: Q. Which disinfectant should I use when disinfecting environmental surfaces? A. Your facility will specify the EPA approved hospital grade disinfectant to use. A good rule is to only use disinfectants registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). See https://www.epa.gov/oppad001/active-hospital-disinf.pdf. Remember to always follow the instructions on the product…