Why train? This might be a question that both leadership and team members may ask. There are many answers besides training to maintain licenses:

• Training keeps the team up-to-date and helps inform policies and procedures that incorporate new research, treatments, best practices, regulations, and definitions. It helps ensure everyone is on the same page in the same book and working in a cohesive, consistent manner.

• “It’s about being proactive instead of reactive, which is essential to building strong teams,” said Heidi Keeler, PhD, MSN/MBA, RN, executive director of Continuing Interprofessional Development and Innovation and associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing. There is a distinct advantage to investing in training up front instead of grappling with errors, problems, and staff turnover later due to gaps in training, knowledge, skills, and/or competencies. Good, targeted training, Keeler said, “gives everybody what they need to succeed ahead of time, which ultimately saves time and money by having an effective, engaged team.” 

• Strong, consistent training contributes to retention. Keeler observed, “If key positions are retained, this really has a direct impact on the culture of the rest of the care team. In driving the skills needed to manage residents and create trust and confidence where people want to stay and contribute, people are more satisfied on the job and less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere."

• Staff identified for participation in specialized training often take pride in being given the opportunity to gain new skills or take on new responsibilities. Managers should watch for team members who are thought leaders and engage them in training. They then can use their new skills and knowledge to help train their colleagues and identify opportunities for improvement. 

Like patient care, staff training needs to be person-centered and consider the specific needs and interests of both the individual and organization.​