The practice of cross training staff (learning another type of job) is an old and often successful practice at hospitals.
Using the Internet, research cross training techniques. Based on your research and training, respond to the following:
What steps would you take in deciding whether or not to cross train lab technicians as x-ray technicians?
What are the negative and positive financial considerations in making this decision?
What steps will you take to deal with a weekend staffing crisis whereby your small hospital has no x-ray technicians in-house, yet the demand for their services is very high including 30 percent of the need emanating from critical care units?
Make sure that you include an introduction and conclusion to your post.
Sample Solution
When deciding whether or not to cross train lab technicians as x-ray technicians, the following steps should be taken:
1. Assess the current skill levels of the lab technicians and their ability to learn new tasks or skills. Establish if they have any prior experience in a related field that may help them become proficient in x-ray technology more quickly.
2. Evaluate potential costs associated with training and certification, such as materials and instructors’ fees. Also consider any additional equipment needed for the training program, including computers, tools or other software programs that might be required for completion of the coursework.
3. Take into account how much time it would take for each technician to complete their training program and obtain their x-ray technician certification, as well as how long it would take them to fully master all aspects of this new position once they are certified.
Sample Solution
When deciding whether or not to cross train lab technicians as x-ray technicians, the following steps should be taken:
1. Assess the current skill levels of the lab technicians and their ability to learn new tasks or skills. Establish if they have any prior experience in a related field that may help them become proficient in x-ray technology more quickly.
2. Evaluate potential costs associated with training and certification, such as materials and instructors’ fees. Also consider any additional equipment needed for the training program, including computers, tools or other software programs that might be required for completion of the coursework.
3. Take into account how much time it would take for each technician to complete their training program and obtain their x-ray technician certification, as well as how long it would take them to fully master all aspects of this new position once they are certified.
