Thinking Outside the Box: Innovative Ways to Educate Your Staff

Hey Boo Hey,

Let me tell you how I came up with one of my favorite ways to educate staff.

During a state survey, my team was asked questions about room temperature regulations—and they didn’t know the answers.

That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t about faulting them; it was about finding a better way to help them retain key information.

That’s when I decided to think outside the box and make learning both engaging and memorable. Jeopardy for Long-Term Care Facilities.

Here’s how it works: I create trivia questions on essential topics like infection control, abuse reporting, or F-Tags (because, let’s be honest, those are always tricky). I’ll say something like, “May I have Resident Care for 500?” and ask a question.

If they answer correctly, they win the points. If not, they lose the points, and we keep playing until someone wins.

It’s fun, low-pressure, and incredibly effective at reinforcing knowledge. Plus, it keeps everyone on their toes when the state surveyors arrive.

Some of my go-to trivia questions include:

• How many types of abuse are there?

• How many seconds should you wash your hands?

• What are approved diagnoses for an indwelling catheter?

  
  

But trivia isn’t the only tool I’ve created. After that initial survey, I also designed flashcards—one set for survey questions and another with each F-Tag. These flashcards are simple but powerful tools for quick, focused learning.

Here’s why I love these methods:

1. They Make Learning Fun: Nobody enjoys sitting through long, boring trainings. These approaches keep staff engaged and excited to learn.

2. They Improve Retention: By gamifying the learning process, staff are more likely to remember key information.

3. They Build Confidence: When staff know their stuff, they’re less anxious during surveys and better equipped to handle questions.

   
   

Of course, trivia and flashcards are just two ways to think outside the box. Here are a few other ideas I use to keep education dynamic:

• Interactive Scenarios: Simulate real-life situations to practice problem-solving.

• Quick Fire Rounds: Ask one or two key questions during huddles to reinforce knowledge daily.

• Peer-to-Peer Teaching: Have staff share their expertise in a quick, digestible format.

  
  

At the end of the day, the goal is to make learning a positive, empowering experience. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and giving your team the tools they need to succeed.

So, what are some creative ways you’ve educated your staff? Let me know—I’m always looking for new ideas to keep the momentum going!

Lead with love,💖