How do you like to be acknowledged at work for a good job done

Nurses General Nursing

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I've seen several comments about management not acknowledging good work, and it's frustrating or just downright infuriating. How do you like to be acknowledged (seriously- not snarky)? :up:

I didn't like someone saying anything to me. I'd gotten several notes from co-workers and bosses, and those were more meaningful to me. For me, having someone stop me in the hall to say I'd done a good job wasn't comfortable- I'd live through it, but not my thing. :chair:

Some people like to be told verbally....others don't. What do you all prefer ? :)

Specializes in Med-Surg.

My unit's nurse managers do daily patient roundings to see how well the patient's have been cared for and from the information they gather, they send out weekly emails with updates and names of nurses who were recognized by patients that week. I like that because I get really awkward when someone gives me a verbal compliment. It's nice to be able to smile and pat yourself on the back in privacy. :)

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Specializes in Correctional, QA, Geriatrics.

Sincere verbal praise, useful small gifts (like a good quality pen or a gift card...please no T shirts!) and best of all monetary incentives. Many years ago I worked at a place that rewarded you with your choice of extra paid time off or the first pick of holidays off. My current boss acknowledges work well done with praise and with thoughtful little gifts. Plus she comes out to where we are plugging away and works beside us as her schedule permits. To me that makes her acknowledgement of our work more meaningful.

My husband works for a non medical company that is good about bringing in lunch or giving them gift cards or a couple of extra hours of paid time off at the completion of projects.

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Specializes in ICU.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the Merry Christmas pen gift. Always good to have since you'll be working that day + New Year's anyway. :grn:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I did my first semester clinical at a hospital that hands out wooden coins that are stamped with 'I make a difference' and the hospital logo on the back. They hand them out as a kudos to people who go above and beyond. Our CI asked us for names of nurses who really helped us during clinicals so she could get a coin to each of them. I got one for helping the wound care nurse with an audit all day - I am SO proud of that silly coin! lol

One coin can be used to get a free small drink from the coffee cart in the foyer, two can get a drink anywhere in the hospital and they can be saved up to by anything from the 'rewards store'. One staff member was saving hers up to get a hoodie. I think this program is great, it lets the staff know they are being recognized and adds to the esprit de corps.

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Specializes in ER.
I've seen several comments about management not acknowledging good work, and it's frustrating or just downright infuriating. How do you like to be acknowledged (seriously- not snarky)? :up:

I didn't like someone saying anything to me. I'd gotten several notes from co-workers and bosses, and those were more meaningful to me. For me, having someone stop me in the hall to say I'd done a good job wasn't comfortable- I'd live through it, but not my thing. :chair:

Some people like to be told verbally....others don't. What do you all prefer ? :)

how about "you'll receive an extra 3% on your next annual review because of your good performance."

That's all that matters to me.

Any other time there are "atta boys" at work, it feels like a popularity contest and becomes quite competitive. I'm not out for that type of praise/degradation. Keep that all on the down low and for review time.

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Specializes in OR; Telemetry; PACU.

Stop the "no news is good news" mentality.

I do like some acknowledgment during Nurses' Week. Nothing was acknowledged where I worked...not even a printed or handwritten "Happy Nurses' Week" flyer...nothing, nada, nil. In contrast...the doctors got fancy boutique cakes, expensive umbrellas (have yet to see ONE used), candy (which they gave to the nurses), and a fancy lunch...all on "Doctors' Day".

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I like it when a patient sends a letter with my name included to management.

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One hospital I worked for had 'Caught Doing Something Wonderful,' signs that could be filled out by anybody and they were posted on the unit.

That's a great gift for a job well done.

-Joe

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Specializes in ER.
Stop the "no news is good news" mentality.

I do like some acknowledgment during Nurses' Week. Nothing was acknowledged where I worked...not even a printed or handwritten "Happy Nurses' Week" flyer...nothing, nada, nil. In contrast...the doctors got fancy boutique cakes, expensive umbrellas (have yet to see ONE used), candy (which they gave to the nurses), and a fancy lunch...all on "Doctors' Day".

then one might suggest going to med school.

Nurses never get their due respect... it's just how it is. If it irks you, and you can't get over it, try another profession. We can't be in this for some perks. That's not how it will ever be....

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU.

I prefer notes/cards/e-mails. I guess it takes more effort to say something in person, but I'd rather have somethign I can hang on to and look back at during the tough times when I'm thinking about quiting...

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I like written acknowledgments. When I'm having a bad day I like to pull out the cards and read them.

This is what I preferred- and still have things from patients and bosses, from the mid-80s...they mean a lot :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Hospice & Dialysis.

My favorite is when a patient simply asks, "will you be here tonight to take care of me?"

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