The ability to network may not come as a natural skill to many in the clinical simulation world. However, the ability to network with intention and to connect with others can be incredibly beneficial to healthcare simulation programs. Time and dedication to this skill is worthwhile to spend time on advancement in. Often staff within clinical simulation programs are the biggest assets; therefore there is sense to spend time to connect with others that may benefit the clinical simulation program through networking. This article by Erin Carn-Bennett, RN, MSN will look into the concept of how to network and leverage this skill in a healthcare simulation program for progression and to enable successful outputs.
Networking Opportunities Are Everywhere
Within any role in a healthcare simulation program there is use to focus through a networking lens to make the most of as many opportunities offered as possible. This may include opportunities such as guest debriefs, didactic talks outside of the organization, zoom meets, webinar presentations and attendance to adjacent industry conferences. Often these opportunities will be presented after introductions to people and time is spent to connect with others either within the healthcare simulation community or within other industries with similar experiences and skill sets to healthcare simulation.
To assist in the networking process for a clinical simulation program; connect and spend time with people of relevance as there is ability to. Introductions may come through others or by self introductions. Don’t be shy to offer to meet people to learn about their skill sets, future opportunities and challenges faced either within their healthcare simulation environment or other industry of interest. If there are questions or potential networking opportunities at the forefront then raise them in conversation and see where this leads to. Without opportunities that are raised or discussed then there is no awareness by the other party of what could occur within this connection for both parties.
Social Media Networking Builds Online Relationships
Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool to use for networking on an international scale for the healthcare simulation community globally. Join social media sites of interest and start to explore the healthcare simulation communities within them. Bring forward discussions, questions and challenges to threads and posts. Social media is a great way to stay connected and to learn what occurs on a global scale for favorite clinical simulation programs all over the globe. Ask questions of international specialists and also sign up for any online educational resources offered from the international healthcare simulation community. Be sure to share any new publications or news for the healthcare simulation program to assist in promotion and to attract new connections.
The creation of a regular item to send out via email such as a newsletter can be an incredibly useful way to connect both internally and externally with people that have an interest in the clinical simulation program and what is on offer. This is not only a potentially useful network tool to update subscribers on occurrences for the healthcare simulation program; but can also re-engage those that have lost touch with what has happened for the healthcare simulation program. Visibility can increase enquiries and demand for connectivity and clinical simulation based education. A newsletter is a great opportunity to showcase any celebrations and wins for the clinical simulation program which also may assist with engagement or reengagement with the healthcare simulation programs services.
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The provision to have an effective internal intranet page and externally accessible intranet page can be incredibly helpful for networking clinical simulation programs. As a consumer of clinical simulation services, to be able to access advice, knowledge and information about a healthcare simulation program of admiration can be incredibly useful. This means that people are able to access information in regards to a clinical simulation program at all hours and not have to wait for a response via email. If previous clinical simulation participants also wish to share information about courses that have been attended in the past a high quality website can also assist with the ability to easily share information.
Take on any opportunities that are offered that can network and promote the clinical simulation program. Some opportunities such as being a guest on a podcast may cause overwhelm especially if inexperienced in the field. However, this can pay dividends when increasing reach and networking abilities. Podcasts are incredibly popular as educational modalities and there are a number of new as well as established and successful clinical simulation podcasts available currently. Also don’t be shy to message healthcare simulation podcasts and seek out any opportunities to be a guest within the healthcare simulation podcast as a network strategy.
Local Networking Opportunities Bring Community Together
Network possibilities even within the backyard of the home clinical simulation program can be incredibly beneficial. Get to know people at other healthcare simulation centers nearby and go for a visit. This process will assist to break down barriers between clinical simulation facilities and potentially even be beneficial for both parties. Even when clinical simulation programs use completely different debrief styles or philosophies there is still potential for a fruitful and complementary relationship when handled in a respectful manner.
Effective professional work relationships and mutual respect towards neighbor programs can be incredibly useful for both parties in the healthcare simulation community. Reciprocal recommendations of one another, sharing challenges and wins and other networking possibilities can mean increased recommendations and also demands for each service. This also role models professionalism and increases trustworthiness of a healthcare simulation program.
This article has discussed how to network as a healthcare simulation program. Discussion has been centered around increased connectivity in both an online and in person environment. Opportunities to learn about others within the healthcare simulation community and also other industries with similar skill sets or challenges should have effort applied to forge connections. Other network possibilities include a regular newsletter, an effective internet and intranet page and social media. As experts and also professionals there should also be localized effort applied to network with those healthcare simulation programs in close proximity. Establishment of respectful connections that assist one another with potential opportunities can be incredibly successful and useful. Networking is an underrated skill for a healthcare simulation program. In a world of increased technology and digitization; the power of a human to human connection should not be forgotten.
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