Nursing

Tap into story telling for staff training

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, April 29, 2004

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The art of story telling is a powerful method of disseminating information. In healthcare, it's a simple and effective way to train staff on topics ranging from the new survey process to billing and coding. Keep in mind that all employees learn differently, and this approach will be well-received by your auditory learners-those whom respond best when listening and discussing concepts. Here are several advantages of using story telling techniques to reach your staff.
1. Story telling about sensitive issues can captivate people's emotions and ignite a powerful conversation.
2.  Stories create pictures that stand out in learners' minds. They may be more likely to recall an event told by word-of-mouth than reading numerous pages of text.  
3. Complex situations can be broken down to a relatable context through a story. Consider sharing an anecdote to simplify the material.
4. Patients have stories, too. Their words can have a big impact on changing care services if they're flawed. Listen to them.
Because training is vital to the rapidly changing healthcare system, it's critical to seek new and exciting ways to capture and maintain your staff's attention. Try your hand at this unique and untapped method to get your message across, inspire others, create a buzz about your message, and make your work environment more interesting.
Editor's note: The above excerpt is adapted from the article, "The power of story telling" by Trevor Gay, published in the April issue of the e-newsletter Link&Learn, a product of Linkage, Inc. (http://www.linkageinc.com).



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