EP 148: Why High-Performing Healthcare Teams Are Built on Competence, Not Familiarity
Episode Description
Strong teams are not built solely on familiarity; they are built on competence, confidence, and shared standards.
In this episode, Dr. David Wyatt, CEO and Executive Director of the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), discusses what healthcare organizations can learn from high-performing perioperative teams and why overall team experience may have a greater impact on patient outcomes than simply having the same people work together repeatedly. Drawing on his doctoral research, he explains how evidence-based tools and effective collaboration, like those in aviation teams, enable clinicians to work safely even when they have never worked together before. David also explores the relationship between competence, confidence, trust, and workplace culture, emphasizing that organizations are responsible for providing the education, resources, and validation employees need to practice safely. He concludes by highlighting AORN’s evidence-based guidelines, workplace civility position statement, and Combating Bullying and Incivility Toolkit as practical resources for creating safer, more respectful healthcare environments.
Tune in to learn how healthcare leaders can strengthen team performance, build professional confidence, and create safer, more respectful working environments!
About Dr. David Wyatt:
David Wyatt, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR, FAORN, FAAN, is the CEO and Executive Director of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. A perioperative nurse for more than 30 years, he has held senior clinical and operational leadership roles at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, and the University of Kansas Hospital.
David is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington and previously served as President of AORN’s National Board of Directors. He holds a PhD in Nursing and Healthcare Systems, an MPH in Public Health, an MA in Human Development, a BSN, and a BA in Psychology. His honors include the Award for Excellence in Perioperative Nursing, D Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing recognition, and fellowships in both AORN and the American Academy of Nursing.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode:
Team performance in the operating room depends on every discipline understanding and valuing its role in patient care
Overall experience and strong team-based systems may contribute more to patient outcomes than simply working with familiar colleagues
Healthcare teams should be able to collaborate effectively, even when members have never worked together before
Organizations must establish competence through education, evidence-based guidelines, skill validation, and adequate onboarding
Confidence develops when professionals know they have demonstrated the skills required to practice safely.
Weak systems for establishing competence can increase uncertainty, stress, incivility, and disruptive workplace behavior
Creating a respectful culture requires sustained effort because workplace culture continually changes as new people join the organization.
Links & Resources:
Connect with and follow Dr. David Wyatt on LinkedIn or reach out via email.
Explore AORN’s Healthy Workforce Framework
Check out the 33 Scripts Guide to Address Disruptive Behaviour here!
Buy Renee Thompson’s book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility here!
Grab a copy of Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! here.
Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!
Have a question for Renee?
Email us at wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!
**Disclosure:** The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.
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