Baby Boomers, Gen X'ers, & GenY/Millennials: Can We Work Together?

Bridgid Joseph, BSN, MSN, APRN, CNS

There is so much talk about generational differences in the workplace, and the reason that it gets a lot of attention, is because it is actually a source of dissention. Have you ever noticed the generational differences before? Have you felt the differences? Because hospitals are different settings than a standard business workplace, it may seem like these generational differences shouldn't really affect the work force, but they do. The way that each generation's works, learns, and interacts (with patients and each other), not only impacts how we all work together, but how we professionally develop. There truly are pros and cons to each generation and how they work, but it is interesting looking at the differences between Baby Boomers, Gen X'ers, and Gen Y/Millennials all in the same workplace!

Baby Boomers (defined as those born in 1946 through 1965) are really hard workers, who are loyal, and are great to work with as a nursing staff: they think about everyone on the staff, and make sure that during any given shift, everyone is helping each other out, they work hard without complaining, and they want to do what is best for their patients...even if it means forgoing their own needs. There is nothing better than heading into a night shift, with a full moon, knowing that you have a group of baby boomers working with you, so you know you will be working as a team to tackle the long, hectic night ahead, and you will all take the best care of your patients, and you will all leave exhausted but feeling good about the care you gave your patients, and know that everyone was well cared for. I used to love my old night crew, where I was by far the youngest, but learned so much from my co-workers; they always took opportunities to teach me different techniques, and they were always interested in learning from me as well. The biggest area that stumped the boomers? Technology. They weren't really interested in technology, and didn't like learning it, but eventually gave in when it was the only option. I must say, that I was an enabler (just as my other Gen X cohorts) and helped them with the technological barriers until they finally got the hang of it. Baby Boomers are not as adaptable to change as other generations, but their hard-working nature and huge hearts make up for it!

Generation X (defined as those born in 1966 through 1976) is different in that the generation is full of leaders, adaptable to change, hardworking, but a little more self-centered, in that they will work hard and dedicate themselves, as long as it works for their life and benefits them, as opposed to the Boomers who just work hard, regardless. Also, the Gen X'ers tend to be great problem solvers and collaborators, which is why they tend to work well with Boomers (and others) and tend to become leaders quickly. As much as I love working with Baby Boomers, I think that the Gen X'ers are awesome, and I also know that when I go into work, if I have a tough assignment, we will all work together, I don't need to ask them to check on my other patient(s) if I am in with a really heavy assignment, and they don't need to ask me to help out either, it's a collaborative and cohesive work environment with strong situational awareness. Gen X'ers can tend to clash with each other because too many people are trying to lead at once, but overall, in a setting where roles are clearly defined, they are able to work together, with various other people, and are pretty adaptable to situations.

Generation Y/Millennials (defined as those born 1977-1994) are really enthusiastic and tech-savvy workers, which is great! They push the use of technology, readily adapt to it, and it helps them to stay excited about their jobs, and stay committed. They want to move ahead and be promoted quickly, which can be great for the future, however that can also be a detriment. By working to become promoted quickly, it means that they have blinders on, focusing on their own career path, and tend to be more selfish in the workplace; they are not great team players. In some careers, that is great, but in the world of nursing and healthcare, it makes for some long and stressful shifts, if you are the one with a heavy assignment and not getting the help you need from your coworkers because they are so focused on their own assignment. Who wants to walk into a shift like that every day?

In nursing, you need team players. Saving lives and working on a hospital floor, unit, area, etc. you are all working together to the benefit of your patients. If one of your co-workers doesn't help out when your "stable" patient becomes acutely sick, check on your other patients when one of your patients has a cardiac arrest, check in with you to see what they can do to help you when they have a much lighter patient load or are taking an early lunch while you haven't even had a chance to get to the bathroom (and lunch is not even on your radar)....you don't forget that. It's possible for us all to work together in cohesive staff, as long as we can all appreciate the strengths of each individual and, be aware of, and work on our weaknesses, it can work. Have you ever worked with these differences and tried to make a change? Or do you not even notice these differences in your workplace? A major problem is that people don't want to address the issue of generational differences, but when it is causing strife between staff, which can impact patient care, it needs to be addressed to create a cohesive staff. We all need to work together and promote the importance of safe and effective patient care.

Baby Boomers, Gen X'ers, & GenY/Millennials: Can We Work Together?

About Bridgid Joseph, BSN, MSN, APRN, CNS

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