My SNF/LTC recently started this "reward" program that involves employees earning gold star stickers to put on our ID badges. For example, if a patient's family members says something complimentary about me, the HR person will put a gold star on my badge. When the employee earns 5 stars, they get a small reward--a free nursing home dinner , or the laundry will wash one item of your clothing--that type of thing.
I find this whole gold star thing very childish; if I were in kindergarten, I would think it was cute, but I am an adult RN, and I just don't want gold stars on my ID badge. So, I peel them off and throw them away. Or I just say "thank you, but I don't really want to put a sticker on my badge."
Does anyone else think this is juvenile, or is it just me? What's next? Free juice boxes??
I'd ask is 5 gold stars entitled the nurses to nap time and cookies with apple juice.
It's idiocy. If you felt strongly about it I would express in a professional and calm matter that you didn't think this was the appropriate way to recognize hard work in GROWN ADULTS AND PROFESSIONALS. They are so dense.
I agree with most here, very childish. I do realize that they are trying to improve morale, but gold stars? Ughh..this just exemplifies how management and administration really view nurses..as toddlers with a license.
Or how about a smiley face stamp on your forehead. I do think it is rather juvenile the way they promote "incentives". Just put a "Good employee report" on your record and if you get enough you get: pay raise, weekends off for a month, make your own schedule for a week, or something a nurse could actually use.
My brother works in finance and I'm trying to picture his manager adding gold stars to his paycheck instead of the bonus he was expecting for closing a great deal...
Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.
At least they are trying.
There are many facilities out there that do nothing to recognize their employees, or promote increased morale. I would not be above placing a star on my badge if it meant a Starbucks gift card was in my future. At our facility we get "Angel Cards". Basically a compliment card that equals monies for the gift store or cafeteria at the end of the year (which is changing to a pin for our badge this year...metal gold star?).
However if one finds the idea so completely degrading I would suggest informing your management in a polite way, instead of scoffing at an attempt to improve the workplace.
Look on the bright side-at least they are attempting to recognize you and focus on good things, because sometimes all we hear are the bad things. Of course, going about it a different way may be better. My supervisor has written notes to nurses when she has heard good things about us from families. A simple note like that is all I need. Now if a patient or family says something nice about another nurse, I like to leave a little note for them too, saying that the family/patient appreciated the care they gave. The other day I complimented a doctor that had taken care of my family member that was recently in the hospital. I told him they really liked him as a doctor and appreciated the job he did. The doctor grabbed my hand and said thank you for telling me that, that really made my day. So I guess what I am saying is all I need to feel recognized is a simple thank you, you did a good job.
I'm kind of surprised at the number of people that replied to say the same thing: how "juvenile and insulting" this program is. I'm not going to disagree, but I think there's something to be said for management at least TRYING to acknowledge when staff does well. I like that one person mentioned another idea instead of just trashing this one; stars/points/cards in exchange for gift cards (actual money). I dunno. We don't have anything where I work except high fives in the hallway and venting to each other.
I would much rather have a note from my supervisor acknowledging my good work than a gold star sticker on my badge. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a Starbucks gift card or a little extra cash, either--these are appropriate forms of rewards for adults.
I'm not anti-positive reinforcement; my issue is that for an administration to walk around pasting gold stars on facility ID badges is demeaning. Sadly, it is a reflecton of their attitude toward employees--as children who will get all giddy at the prospect of accumulating yet another gold star so that eventually we will be able to earn a free nursing home dinner.
It's nice to have a forum like this where we can ask each other for opinions, and kind of "reality test" about odd situations we encounter in our workplaces. :)
We write each other paper stars and post them on a bulletin board in the lounge. Of course the most helpful staff are always the transport nurses and second free charge so they get a TON. I think whoever has the most each month gets 1 month no floating, movie tickets, or something not all that great (we don't float much anyway). A lot of people don't even do stars (heh, I help a LOT [hey I don't like to sit around] and I've only gotten 1.).
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Or how about a smiley face stamp on your forehead. I do think it is rather juvenile the way they promote "incentives". Just put a "Good employee report" on your record and if you get enough you get: pay raise, weekends off for a month, make your own schedule for a week, or something a nurse could actually use.
ROFL!! I was going to suggest the same thing! :rotfl: Only my version had the frowny face for the not so good days-- you know-- the ones where you were too busy busting @ss saving people's lives n' stuff. You were too busy that day to be on your toes and motivated, you forgot to smile. That'll get you the frowny face.
The ideas about filling out cards, etc. are fine- gold stars on the badge? Just a bit too much like that red paper chart my mom would put gold sticky-stars on when I made my bed and ate that stringy soft-boiled egg thingy she "cooked".
There are many facilities out there that do nothing to recognize their employees, or promote increased morale. I would not be above placing a star on my badge if it meant a Starbucks gift card was in my future. At our facility we get "Angel Cards". Basically a compliment card that equals monies for the gift store or cafeteria at the end of the year (which is changing to a pin for our badge this year...metal gold star?).
However if one finds the idea so completely degrading I would suggest informing your management in a polite way, instead of scoffing at an attempt to improve the workplace.
Tait
Please. Improve the workplace with tangible benefits, not shiny stickers.
to put on our ID badges. For example, if a patient's family members says something complimentary about me, the HR person will put a gold star on my badge. When the employee earns 5 stars, they get a small reward--a free nursing home dinner 
, or the laundry will wash one item of your clothing--that type of thing.
What's next? Free juice boxes??
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
We had a star chart in second grade. I particularly liked the shiny metallic blue ones.
It's degrading.