Never permit an employee to train a new employee. Some of the problems that can occur are:
•Standardization of cleaning procedures is undermined since each person may have a slightly different interpretation of various procedures.
•One training method assures a minimum amount of variation.
•"Bad Habits" are passed with this method than any other.
•Resentment will build among employees in at least two different ways:
o Those that like to train new employees may be resentful because this can be viewed as being prestigious, giving greater status to the employee chosen to train the new employee. In addition, this can be seen as a way to "get help" for their assignment.
o Those that do not like to train new employees will be resentful because they will feel like they are "doing the supervisor's job," since training can take time and attention. This can lead to greater physical and mental fatigue for the employee.
•New employees may begin to rely on other employees when they have questions about their work, instead of the supervisors, since it was an employee who taught them in the first place.
The leadership role of supervisors and managers may be damaged if employees and other hospital staff view peer-to-peer training, as a sign that management is not as knowledgeable or confident, as they should be.