Do you compliment your co-workers?

rierie · Sep 22, 2007

I worked for a facility in Dallas that I loved and I felt my co-workers were so supportive. We also had a life away from work as friends which was nice too. When we left work we said "Thanks so much for helping me out and I love you" Really something sincere goes such a long way. You don't need to get attached to your patients but being attached to your co-workers is another story.

Now I work in a facility that the workers are very stand-off'ish and they seem to think when you are genuinely helping them or being nice that you are out for something (brown nosing or sucking up), so it's been very difficult. The culture here is just different and it's not so great but I'm trying to win people over slowly but surely.

It also helps that when someone asks kindly for you to do something to hrlp them out when they are super swamped and you have a spare moment that you do it happily then the favor gets returned. It's an easy process really. If you have an off day and your moody and don't feel well people notice and start to care, not just say nasty things to give an excuse for your behavior. Don't tell someone what to do. Ask politely for assistance and tell them thank you immediately. Dont' just wait until the end of the shift saving up all your "thank you's" and "good jobs." Of course you will encounter that nasty co-worker but don't become them. It will make you feel better at the end of the day.

jacsuzwin · Sep 22, 2007

I love getting unexpected compliments... especially from a doctor. Therefore, I give compliments as often as I can. We are a small ob unit and work great as a team. There is a lot of unrequested help with pts because we work like a well oiled machine.

Sassybottom · Sep 22, 2007

It is weird but sometimes I am worried about complimenting a co-worker (even though I think extremely highly of them) in fear that they think I might be sucking up to them or being insincere ... anyone ever feel this way?

banditrn · Sep 22, 2007

Yes, I always felt it was important to recognize someone for doing something well - especially when I was a charge nurse.

danissa, LPN, LVN · Sep 22, 2007

I always thank my co-workers for help given, but probably dont compliment them enough. Im nearly always a mentor to student midwives in our unit though, and at the end of each shift, I always thank them for the work they have done, and try to find a positive thing to comment on that they have handled well.(usually comes easily, we have an excellent bunch of students right now). Especially if they have worked a nightshift in order to work with me, their mentor, (and I work a lot of nights) they dont get paid extra for being up all night, I do.

So, yes, its probably a more natural thing to boost the confidence of students and junior staff

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 22, 2007

It is weird but sometimes I am worried about complimenting a co-worker (even though I think extremely highly of them) in fear that they think I might be sucking up to them or being insincere ... anyone ever feel this way?

I hate it when people take you as a suck-up or superficial when you truly are a nice person and show it through your actions.

What they don't know is how long it took me to almost learn how to do this, Use to be angry at some personal things that I kept inside. Once you start and mean your good intentions it gets easier and happens almost daily. I value my co-workers help.

truern · Sep 22, 2007

We actually have a "Kudos" book in the breakroom where we mention the nurse that helped us with an untimely admission, the tech that went aboveboard with a difficult patient, etc.

Nothing like having it in writing for all to see :)

danissa, LPN, LVN · Sep 24, 2007

truern..what a great idea that is! Think I may start such a book in our unit, as often when things are hitting the fan,and people are stressed, telling your co-workers how well they have done is the last thing on your mind. Only afterwards, when you reflect on the situation, then you know who was right there WITH you at that time! Then often, its too late, either you dont see them for ages, or you forget to tell them how invaluable their help was. So, to write it down, what a morale booster and a great support tool for each other. Thanks for the idea...hope you dont mind me stealing it!!! I WILL say where I got it from btw! :lol2: :lol2:

jojotoo, RN · Sep 24, 2007

Job well done.

Making it through the shift.

Refraining from physically assaulting the upper management team.

Showing up for work that shift.

(And these are all sincere compliments.)