Attitude....

passing thru · Apr 14, 2003

Repat:

I think you are talking about unit morale too.

There's lots of info available on the net about motivating a group of workers. First, do they want change? There is POWER in the negativity.

The meek-passive workers will "go along with" the vocal negative complainers, in the interest of keeping the peace or to avoid escalating the complainers criticisms.

We have to understand the underlying (and dynamic)

mechanisms of the communication on the unit. Even if it is dysfunctional, it serves someone's purpose.

Usually those complaining the most are the ones in control.

Look at how successful businesses - and the military, for instance-

motivate their people and how they create working relationships.

Then, you will see how it is done.

It requires leadership, a group commitment, goals, focus, rewards.

Learning how to motivate people is one of the most gratifying

experiences we experience, whether it is co-workers, our children, our associates.

And you're really good if simultaneously, you build their self-esteem.

Repat · Apr 15, 2003

Whew, passing thru, you have hit the nail on the head. I will do a look up. Will approach unit managers, too, for ideas, although I do think one of the problems is that they don't have a clue. Maybe I'll download some references for them, too!! Thanks!

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Apr 16, 2003

Attitude truly IS everything !!!

I've noticed that if you keep that happy face and not allow the attitudes of coworkers to drag you down, you will have a FAR better day...(afterall, who really LIKES being miserable !? I sure don't!)

Secondly, sooner or later those around you (when they see you are CONSISTENTLY positive, outgoing, caring, and sharing..yes, even with those who turn their noses up at you...) these same ones will want what you have. A smile IS contagious and tends to win people over.

When all else fails.. I put my all into giving that smile and happiness to my patients... concentrate and focus soley on them. They are willing receivers, and you get so much in return ! :)

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 16, 2003

Renee, YOU hit it on the head. ITA w/your post. (and welcome back)!

duckie · Apr 17, 2003

Attitude spreads faster than any disease. One person can change the entire feeling on a unit. I cannot say I always have a positive attitude but on the nights when I'm not feeling "positive" I just try to smile and fake it but am very quiet. This past week I have had 2 nights where I have had meetings with my staff, telling them that their attitudes are going to have to change, the backbiting and tattling are going to stop and I am tired of hearing their constant complaining and whining. I gave them 2 choices, comply or I will move every CNA to a new unit and break them all apart. I told them this was not up for debate, it was written in stone. My unit used to run so smooth, then I agreed to run charge on my hall and do fill ins on the Skilled unit. When I wasn't there all the time, everyone suddenly tried to take over the unit, took advantage of the other nurse that is there when I am on Skilled and they started breaking every rule I had in place that had made the hall run so smooth for nearly 7 years. Since I have cracked down, at least when I'm around they are following the rules but this is not a conversation I should have had to have with adults, ages 20's to 50's. And attitude does start from the top, so in our positions, we must be certain we have ours in check at all times. I never had any problems on my unit till I agreed to do fill ins on Skilled and tried to go back to just my unit but my boss says she doesn't have any other nurse that she wants on the fill ins but me.....go figure, they all have the same license that I do. I told her fine, but from now on I send the problem kids to her cause I cannot deal with all the problems of 2 halls by myself. No wonder I take Xanax! Actually I love the challenges of the Skilled unit and would hate to have to give up my time there but I think doing two halls is not good for consistancy. Hopefully things will get better and I have had talks with the other nurse that takes my place when I'm on Skilled. I politely told her she needed to get a backbone and makes sure the rules are followed and she said she would so just maybe life will improve on my unit. Sorry, didn't mean to turn this into a gripe session but I do feel better for venting so please forgive me. Duckie

nurse2002 · Apr 17, 2003

Originally posted by Duckie
Attitude spreads faster than any disease. One person can change the entire feeling on a unit. I cannot say I always have a positive attitude but on the nights when I'm not feeling "positive" I just try to smile and fake it but am very quiet. This past week I have had 2 nights where I have had meetings with my staff, telling them that their attitudes are going to have to change, the backbiting and tattling are going to stop and I am tired of hearing their constant complaining and whining. I gave them 2 choices, comply or I will move every CNA to a new unit and break them all apart. I told them this was not up for debate, it was written in stone. My unit used to run so smooth, then I agreed to run charge on my hall and do fill ins on the Skilled unit. When I wasn't there all the time, everyone suddenly tried to take over the unit, took advantage of the other nurse that is there when I am on Skilled and they started breaking every rule I had in place that had made the hall run so smooth for nearly 7 years. Since I have cracked down, at least when I'm around they are following the rules but this is not a conversation I should have had to have with adults, ages 20's to 50's. And attitude does start from the top, so in our positions, we must be certain we have ours in check at all times. I never had any problems on my unit till I agreed to do fill ins on Skilled and tried to go back to just my unit but my boss says she doesn't have any other nurse that she wants on the fill ins but me.....go figure, they all have the same license that I do. I told her fine, but from now on I send the problem kids to her cause I cannot deal with all the problems of 2 halls by myself. No wonder I take Xanax! Actually I love the challenges of the Skilled unit and would hate to have to give up my time there but I think doing two halls is not good for consistancy. Hopefully things will get better and I have had talks with the other nurse that takes my place when I'm on Skilled. I politely told her she needed to get a backbone and makes sure the rules are followed and she said she would so just maybe life will improve on my unit. Sorry, didn't mean to turn this into a gripe session but I do feel better for venting so please forgive me. Duckie

Venting is good for you! I do it often. I feel that if I vent somewhere besides work my attitude at work is better. I hate to say this, but if you read some of my "venting" posts you would think I have a bad attitude. The truth is I really dont. Im actually very happy with what I do. Sometimes I just need to GET IT OFF MY CHEST! Vent away! Its GOOD for you.

live4today, RN · Apr 17, 2003

Originally posted by SmilingBluEyes
Renee, YOU hit it on the head. ITA w/your post. (and welcome back)!

Hello there SmilingBluEyes!!! Glad to be back! :kiss