How should a preceptor technician handle a newly hired technician who forgets to wash her hands?

The most effective approach in this situation is to describe what was wrong, why it was wrong, and how to correct this behavior. This approach not only addresses the immediate issue of forgetting to wash hands but also provides a deeper understanding of the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare settings.

By explaining what was wrong, the preceptor helps the newly hired technician recognize that neglecting handwashing poses a risk for infection transmission. Articulating why this behavior is critical emphasizes the role of hand hygiene in patient safety and care quality. Finally, discussing how to correct this behavior reinforces proper practices and encourages the technician to integrate handwashing into their routine. This method fosters a learning environment that promotes improvement and adherence to safety protocols, ultimately benefiting patient health and care standards.

While repeating the rationale or demonstrating proper handwashing can be helpful, they might not fully address the underlying issue or ensure that the technician understands the necessity of consistent hand hygiene. Similarly, forcefully asserting expectations does not cultivate a supportive learning environment or encourage voluntary adherence to the protocols.