AHE has started this initiative to encourage professionals in the field to begin, or continue to refer to the departments and the personnel caring for the healthcare environment as environmental services professionals rather than as housekeepers, janitors and custodians. The staff and management teams responsible for maintaining the clinical environment of care require different skills and competencies from those needed in the commercial cleaning and general maintenance industry and it's time we address this critical distinction.

Please help us redefine healthcare environmental services!

Infection Control Today
While sharps injuries have declined over the last 16 years, it's important to be mindful that injuries still can occur, including "downstream injuries" affecting environmental services and laundry personnel.

American Laundry News
Experts weigh in on how to set and monitor standards for employee productivity.

Health Facilities Management
Thomas J. Fitzgerald III, CHESP, talks about his journey from environmental services to director of VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

Halosil International
Wickenburg Community Hospital (WCH), a nonprofit hospital in rural Arizona, has partnered with Halosil International, to disinfect its operating rooms, Acute Care Unit, and clinics using the Halo Disinfection System.

Health Facilities Today
Healthcare-acquired infections decreased by 22 percent from 2011 to 2015, according to new research.

Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control
Flu season is picking up steam, with flu activity increasing for the week ending November 11, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Contagion Live
Mothers in high-risk areas might already be acquiring immunity against the Zika virus, according to a new study.

Forbes
Having a gratitude mindset can help leaders better cope with stressful situations.

Forbes
Leaders are recognized by a number of important but often overlooked traits, such as authenticity, humility and deliberation.

By John Scherberger, BS, FAHE, CHESP

By Randy Barnes

Make yourself indispensable and advance your career! Plan your education for 2017. Visit AHE’s 2017 ENGAGE site to learn more about educational courses, podcasts, webinars, and events. And make sure to check out AHE's EXPRESS Learning Courses. EXPRESS is a mobile learning platform that offers educational podcasts delivered by environmental services and infection prevention thought leaders. You asked for learning opportunities that require less of a time commitment and we delivered!

The AHE Seal of Review and Recognition Program is designed to be a comprehensive review and formalized recognition process aimed at assisting healthcare professionals in selecting training and in-service programs that promote quality, safety and the most favorable outcomes for the healthcare environment and its related disciplines.