how do you improve morale in a unit?

htrn · Aug 31, 2008

Poor morale is a huge problem in ANY workplace but can be especially bad in a hospital. There is the phenomenon of "Lateral Violence", better known as nurses eating their young/each other. It sounds like that is what is happening in your unit. If you feel you can go to the nurse manager and talk to her about your concerns, I would start there. The best way to build morale is from the top down. The administration needs to have a policy of not tolerating the "catiness", setting other nurses up for failure, writing people up for little things constantly, etc...

You having a good attitude is the best thing you can do. I wouldn't defend the person being complained about necessarily, but maybe tell the people complaining to you that you don't want to hear it. I have also started conversations in public places with coworkers about how important it is for "all of us to support each other, help each other out...." to plant those seeds in others heads.

Good luck to you. It can be very draining to work in an environment like that. Unfortunately it always trickles down to affect the patients adversly.

ilstu99 · Aug 31, 2008

No such thing as "only" a nursing assistant! Just the fact that you're here asking for advice is testament to how important you are in your unit.

Since you can't change other people, the best thing to do (IMO) is to continue to set the example you would like to see and not engage in any of the backstabbing and gossiping. It's a lonely place to be sometimes, but it does earn respect....even if it's only from yourself. :)

Some people have been very persistent with me about "digging for dirt," since I just changed shifts. It's hard to do the right thing sometimes, and I usually end up feeling like I'm not "one of the gang" because I won't join in on their griping sessions about the other shift or other team members. I just accept that the only person I have to be true to....is looking at me in the mirror.

Stay strong, and don't lose that positive attitude! :yeah:

nocangel2 · Aug 31, 2008

Sometimes morale is shift to shift. I know that my night shift has great morale and it seems to be lower on days. :twocents: My personal opinion for the difference is that we are really there for each other and often do tasks for each other without being asked. We also frequently bring in treats for each other like cookies or even just coffee creamer. That always gives everyone a boost! :redbeathe We also frequently tell each other how much we appreciate a co-worker.

Good manners, doing a little extra for somebody else and a sugar fix. That seems to be our receipe for happiness! Good luck!

hbgwan, LPN, LVN · Aug 31, 2008

last week i bought a tshirt in cozumel that shows a skull and cross bones of a pirate that says "the beatings will continue until morale improves."

perhaps wearing these shirts might help? :smiley_ab

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2008

htrn has good advice, talk to the manager. Suggest giving the complainers the job of finding a solution. Staff that complains about a problem needs the opportunity to be on a committee to fix the issue that is bothering them and others. Allowing the staff on a problem unit the power to fix the problems usually corrects many of the issues.

Vito Andolini · Aug 31, 2008

Send out for pizza.

Vito Andolini · Aug 31, 2008

I don't know. I think it's important to find out what t hey are all upset about and try to fix those things.

Maybe those who habitually complain should be fined for dragging everyone else down if they complain without suggesting some ways to fix the matters they are complaining about.

Have monthly parties to celebrate the staff's birthdays. Somehow, breaking bread together has a way of relaxing us and breaking down barriers. It might be good to do this outside of work.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2008

What ever you do decide to do make sure ALL shifts are invloved.

Our LTC has started a new program for staff and residents (a big PR thing for the most part) One of those "you matter to us" and for the most part I see a difference, but I only work weekends and have never been asked to be part of anything. Asking around to the other weekends only and off shift staff...nada. Everything is on days during the week. Big no no.

jennifers · Aug 31, 2008

Thank you all for the suggestions. :) I like the idea of planting seeds about supporting each other.

The other night one nurse was very upset at the other for "spending too much time in a pts room". With only 2 nurses on the unit I kinda understood. but said "maybe that patient is having a problem or getting close to delivering...I'll go check in on them."

Its like the find any reason at all to complain.

The ones that are on the committee sit around and think up things to complain about and seem to actually be the most negative of the bunch.

I'm going to bring in some sugar next time I work. :)

One nurse flat out asked me if another one had said anything about her. I told her I wasn't getting involved.

In defense of the unit there are two nurses there that have been a great role model to me. They have great positive attitudes and really do not participate. I think this environment is even starting to wear them down too and they have been doing it for years.

Again i just want to thank everyone for the advice and for reading/listening and being there. Sometimes we just need someone to listen...

I think that is sometimes what the nurses need when they confide in me but its really getting old and constant.

jennifers · Aug 31, 2008

PS... Can i make them give me a $1 every time they complain? We would really be buying pizza every day!

greenergrass, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2008

There is a very academic approach to this problem that actually works every time - but needs to be hit from a variety of levels (not just you - you, your manager, multiple other staff members).

It's called Appreciative Inquiry. We use it in management, coaching & a variety of other areas to improve anything.

It's all about focusing on strengths - looking at what's working rather than what's not working.

I use it daily on my unit (I'm currently a staff RN in an ICU) with a nurse who is chronically negative.

She starts the shift out complaining
I talk to her about strengths
She keeps focusing on problems
I keep focusing on strengths & ask her strength-focused questions
She shifts to a positive frame of mind
By about 9am she & I are laughing & having a great time.

If I didn't do this with her each shift we worked together I would have quit (or maybe have killed her) by now.

This is tough work - it's a lot easier to get sucked into the mud with everyone else.

Much respect to you for loooking for an answer!!! :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: