Boosting Morale in the ER

Jennifer, RN · Oct 4, 2006

there is no way I want to be in charge anytime soon in the ER I work at. Good thing I work odd hours. But, there is one charge nurse that I work with that stands out. She takes patients. Usually more than a full load. She has GREAT critical thinking skills and is very organized. She is a great communicator. She carries a dept phone with her at all times and is always accesible. She has balls. She will argue with doctors, argue with staffing. But she does it matter of factly, not confrontationaly. She is fair and REALLY tries to consider pt load and acuity. She KNOWS what is going on in the dept at all times. She makes everyone accountable for their job description. She makes sure we have help when we need it. She has a very hard and demanding job. A lot of people don't like her. But she runs a great shift. I love working when she's in charge.

rosieseattle, RN · Oct 4, 2006

How many years have you been an RN? You will find as you gain years of experience, what is valuable/not valuable for morale....especially in the ER. Sometimes the most qualified charge nurses do not set priorities for themselves, much less the rest of the staff. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the staff, make assignments that are fair and stay clear of choosing favorites.

911fltrn · Oct 4, 2006

The best charge nurse ive ever known was named sheila, she was 4ft something but had a huge heart. She ran an E.R. and did it very well. She lead by example. i.e. she never sat down, was always helping nurses with patients, and when needed she would put the ER on divert even if administration said no. She cared about patients and she cared about her fellow nurses. Moose has since moved on to a different job but she will hold a place in my heart forever.

JUst thought i would add that if you dont take care of patients or help with them then I dont need you in the er.

bill4745, RN · Oct 4, 2006

Don't put an urgent pt in my room 10 minutes before the end of my shift.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Oct 4, 2006

Occasional or even weekly gifts of Golf balls work for me

irmaRN · Oct 6, 2006

make sure you get both sides of the story!

NYTramaRN, RN · Oct 8, 2006

Well, if you were going to be my Charge Nurse this is what I would want,,,,
:::::SNIP::::
2. Do everything you can to assure that your staff gets their breaks as was said before. (I just got off working for 14 1/2 hours straight without a break, so I am not very happy right now).
::::SNIP::::
I'd like to add to Dans excellent advice:
2B If your not absolutely tied to the desk relieve someone yourself to assure they get their break.

I can also add some leadership wisdom for years as a military officer:

Be involved, go around and see how people are holding up , and lend a hand, doing a set of vital signs, or discharging a pt for a busy staffer helps keep them going. Never give the impression your above the messy tasks.

Your ability to lead is only as good as your staffing willingness to follow, treat them honestly and fairly to the best of your ability, and they'll make you proud.

Pat_Pat RN · Oct 10, 2006

Stand up for your people.

Keep your people informed.

Set a GOOD example.

Pat

Romeo4u-RN · Oct 10, 2006

:uhoh3:Excellent advice Dan. Man, you sure know how to lay it on them. Sure wish, we had more Charge Nurses like you around, maybe then, working in the ER won't be so frustrating after all. However, I suggest that you take a nice cruise in the Caribbean, because it sure looks to me, like you need one, and pronto.

:biere:

Cheers:

Romeo4u-RN

Well, if you were going to be my Charge Nurse this is what I would want,,,,
1. Don't blow sunshine up my scrubs by telling me that the staffing shortage is going to get better when you know there is a hiring freeze on.
2. Do everything you can to assure that your staff gets their breaks as was said before. (I just got off working for 14 1/2 hours straight without a break, so I am not very happy right now).
3. Give praise where praise is due, make the ones that bust their butt's know that YOU KNOW! An attaboy/girl goes a long long way!
4. As was said for #3 do the same for the ones that just do the minimum to get by, buts their chops, let them know that their lack of work is noticed, and that YOU KNOW! The ones that bust their butts will notice that!
5. Don't lie to me, tell me the way it is, and the way it is going to be, I may not like it, but at least I know it is the truth, and I sure will respect you for it, and if you don't, well, it will be a long journey as a charge nurse.
I could go on and on I guess, but those are the top ones that I can come up with.
Good luck!
Dan

Mr. Grumpy · Oct 10, 2006

If you are indeed taking a charge position, then don't go to forums and ask what to do. Each ED has it's own weaknesses and strengths. Therefore, each unit is going to have different methods to building morale. However, Danny boy does have some good starters. But, the key is not to bull**** yourself or others.

erdaynurse · Oct 10, 2006

I have served in the charge nurse role and I have found that the most important thing is FAIRNESS! All the rules apply to everybody. Praise those who are doing well. If there is a problem, take the individual to the side and ask what is going on and what you can do to help - do not berate or discipline in front of patients or co-workers. As a charge nurse in my ER, I do not take a room assignment, but ALL of the patients are mine. I help the nurses, techs, and secretaries. I check on patients. I relieve staff for breaks, taking my break last. If I don't know, I find out. I know my limitations and still ask for help. I am not perfect and sometimes I do not do things as I normally would, but I do try to apologize if I have offended or hurt someone and I know that everyone has bad days. Congratulations and good luck in your management endeavor. It is not a popularity contest, but work hard not to alienate people!!:cheers:

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2006

The only thing that impresses me is money

or free golf stuff, i like golf stuff

maybe even a paid trip to the carribean, so I can golf there