Confidence does not arise from knowing a policy; confidence is gained by carrying out the task and receiving feedback and then doing the task again. Care workers are under a lot of pressure during each shift that they do, so they need skills they can rely on. This article highlights how positive behaviour support training enables care workers to have these reliable skills and the benefits of such training.

What Practical Training Means for Care Workers

Practical training gives the possibility to place the learner in the room with a trainer and all necessary equipment. The employees are not just listening to the lecture. They perform the task, get the feedback and keep repeating until they feel comfortable. The learner can squeeze the chest of the manikin, put a sling, check a drug chart or simulate a complicated situation.

Contrary to reading slides and attending online courses, the practical training gives the possibility to check whether the learner is able to perform the task. The trainers will see the mistakes of the trainee immediately and fix them; after that they will certify the skills if the criteria are met.

The limited number of the learners allows it to be done. With the smaller group of participants on the course, everyone will be able to handle the equipment and ask the questions. The experienced trainers will provide the examples from practice and connect the lesson with the shift of the care workers. In this case, the learner gets the idea of the proper practice.

How Hands On Practice Turns Knowledge Into Confidence

It is always true that humans always remember what they do rather than what they learn. When a care worker practices the recovery position or the safe transfer, he/she becomes more familiar with the procedure. The skills learned through practice ensure that the care worker takes actions in the emergency situation without panicking about it. Practice ensures that one feels confident since the skills needed have been acquired by the body.

Learning from one's mistake is also the safest thing during training. The learner will make mistakes in the classroom, but in no way will he/she hurt anyone else apart from themselves. The instructor will help them correct the mistakes and repeat the exercise until they get it right.

Confidence in communication is developed through role plays in the same way. Staff practices how to speak to a distressed individual, how to explain the procedures and how to escalate their concern. They acquire the proper language to use in such cases because of practice. The trainers can also interrupt the role plays, teach them a better phrase then allow them to repeat.

Regular refreshment is very essential. One loses his/her skills if they have not been practiced for some time.

Why Confident Staff Deliver Safer and Kinder Care

Confident workers are capable of making the right decisions. They concentrate on all the small things, ask about their concerns at once and act immediately. Indecision might lead to negative outcomes for care and hence it is necessary to be confident to ensure safety of people. Confidence also prevents any possible mistakes because workers have reliable procedures that are proven and safe. Here are some advantages of it:

• Lower rate of injuries, accidents and medication errors
• More efficient way to cope with stress and challenging behaviour
• Fast reaction in case of medical emergencies
• Increased level of staff morale and lower turnover rates
• Improved evidence of standards for CQC inspections

Kindness is another advantage of being confident. A person who is comfortable with himself or herself gives more attention to the person in front of him or her. He or she becomes a better listener, communicator and is more respectful to people. This is obvious for the receivers of care and families of the patients notice it too; they usually prefer such kind of service where workers stay calm and tell them everything.

Which Care Courses Benefit Most From Practical Learning

There is no denying some subjects require more practice than others. Basic life support, moving and handling, and medication awareness all require skills and assessment through practice. Positive behaviour support and mental health awareness courses also need scenarios and discussion since they help to form certain thinking patterns in staff. 

The importance of live learning is demonstrated by The Oliver McGowan train the trainer program. At Tier 2 level, e-learning along with a full-day training program delivered by a trainer and an Expert by Experience is required. In addition to this, for large providers, there is a train the trainer Oliver McGowan course. The program teaches managers and educators to deliver the training together themselves and includes an assessed micro-teach and delivery pack.

It goes without saying that specialists should practice their skills too. Staff who can administer emergency epilepsy medication need to practice their skills under supervision of a competent trainer. No matter what, reading about a procedure will never replace doing it. Choose practical delivery if you are concerned with skills that ensure person's safety or health. If you are looking for an awareness course, make sure it offers case studies, group work and time for practicing new language.

How to Make Practical Training Work for Your Team

Good planning is likely to yield more returns from any training. The first step is to identify the role and the training that is required for each. Next, choose an organization that offers classes that are small and have competent trainers and competency recording system. Inquire whether they can conduct the training within your organization and use your training infrastructure, as learning occurs well in known environment.

Prepare the employees before the training takes place. Make them aware of what the training entails and ensure that they ask any questions that they might have. Upon the completion of the training session, request the senior employees to watch how they perform using the acquired skills and give feedback. A short discussion after the training will make the learning session a habit.

Maintaining good documentation is very important. Ensure that certificates, competencies acquired and future training schedule are recorded in the training matrix. Update the practical skills such as life support training yearly and others ahead of time.

Conclusion

Training can be helpful in making carers confident as training can assist in making knowledge into practice. The carers train, receive feedback, and feel well-prepared to act. Confident staff are helpful in making greater safety and giving good care. Identify your duties, choose suitable training courses and conduct a follow-up after every training course. For training of your staff, please contact 07428 112029.