Boosting Morale

Hey Guys,

I just read a post on another thread where a nurse gave some examples of things she does to try to boost morale and asked for additional suggestions. So I thought maybe we could start a thread...:)

Here's a portion of her text:

I'm new to hospital nursing & am working as a staff nurse in a rural hospital. One of the nurse aides fixes healthy snacks for us on Tuesdays b/c @ times we don't get our lunches. Anyways, my 1st step (in addtn. to already having expressed my thanks to her) is a card I'll give her tomorrow from the nurses!

So how 'bout it, any of you have any suggestions? I'd love to hear them maybe it could really make a difference in someone's day.

Gift cards in small denominations for the cafeteria are nice. Where I did my clinical rotation, the nurses would rotate and bring something in (bagels with cream cheese or the like). They always had something on that table to grab and go-especially since lunch was non-existent on that floor. They also had a huge basket with snacks, fruits etc available on that table. It really meant the world of a difference to the cranky nurse/aide that didn't get to take their lunch yet again. I know I get hypoglycemic and very cranky if I don't eat.

Mgmt, keeps that basket full but you'll be surprised how the employees bring stuff in and keep it overflowing. I used to bring single serving cereal boxes and they were a hit

In my former life (staff development nurse at a small, rural hospital) I took on the "morale issue" (sigh). This is an exhausting project if administration does not recognize the issue as important.

I like the "flower for an hour" idea...one I never thought of.

I think that morale must be seen as a worthwhile working project by the staff too...they must be bought in...or burn-out is inevitable. All (at least most) must be active participants at the urging of administration.

I'll leave that project, happily, to someone who retains the energy needed.