looking for morale booster--kudos program

[kdfranzen]

I am trying to establish some morale boosting projects at my hospital. I don't have a large budget so I'm looking for some cheap ways to recognize nurses for the outstanding jobs they are doing. I've been looking at kudos type awards where co-workers can write and recognize each other for going above and beyond during their shifts.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[massrn116]

Unfortunately from my experience from the unit I currently work on "kudos or rewards" programs create some negative feelings amongst staff and some view such things as childish. Also most people work hard and you get the "managers pets" getting the most recognition.

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

My experience has been similar to massrn116. How about if the recognition write-ups were anonymous (even if the identity of the person was more or less known) and you posted them on a thermometer-type poster like you see with organizations soliciting charitable contributions. You know- the more positive "write-ups", the higher the "mercury" level; with each 10 or so kudos you could get a small treat for all the staff like pizza for each shift or coupons to a coffeee shop, etc.

[CNA2day]

At our facility we have "thumbs up" sheets that are posted on a bullitin board that all staff and residents can read. The DON reads them at all staff meetings and gives them to whoever got them.

There is no prize or anything given out.

[kdfranzen]

Thanks for all the answers so far :) I'm not giving out money or gift certificates etc. I'm just looking for small ways to let nurses know that everyone realizes how hard they are working when we are stage 4 capacity and running around like crazy trying to care for everyone :) It just seems like lately all we are hearing is the negative--long hold times, delayed report giving, etc and I'd really try to change that. The thumbs up board sounds great.

[Zookeeper3]

we give out meal tickets for those that either were the saving grace for their peers on a bad night, handled a family situation well or what ever reason.

When staff comes in on short notice to help a short shift and it's really needed we give out a movie ticket.

An employee of the month plaque and the "winner" gets their name in an engraved metal plate placed on it. There is a vote box (annonomous)... and the criteria is team player and encourages a positive culture. The engraved plate is like one inch wide by three long. Nothing fancy but it is nice to see your name on one.