Patty Bracy, Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Manager at Eastern State Hospital, continues to raise the bar for engaging education in behavioral health settings. At the hospital’s Quality Expo, she showcased not only her expertise, but also her creativity and commitment to making infection prevention meaningful for every staff member.
Using the Expo’s Pi Day theme, Patty transformed infection prevention core concepts and data into an interactive learning experience. Staff from nursing, administration, central office, IT, environmental services, and physicians visited Expo stations, collecting stickers that earned them pie and coffee.
Patty’s display blended clear, relevant data with hands-on activities covering hand hygiene, N95 fit testing, isolation precautions, mask types, regulated medical waste disposal, and distinguishing urinary tract infections from asymptomatic bacteriuria. She incorporated puzzles, question cards, and other bite-sized learning tools that made complex topics approachable. The board was so effective that it’s now being used for roving education throughout the hospital.
Attendees stayed engaged and asked thoughtful questions, proof that her approach resonated. Patty shared how much she enjoys her role and collaborating across departments, and with the support of her leadership, continues to grow professionally, recently earning her LTC-CIP certification!
Tools and Tips to Get Started
Patty’s Go-To Resources
Patty’s Tips to Get Started
- Choose a theme that’s fun, timely, or relevant to your audience.
- Pair data with interaction – puzzles, quizzes, stickers, or small challenges keep people moving and learning.
- Use bite-sized education so staff can engage quickly without feeling overwhelmed.
- Invite multiple departments to create a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Repurpose your materials for ongoing education after the event.
