Need some new innovative methods ?!

Hard question to answer really, because if there was an answer...I would hope more facilities would USE it!

Okay, for me...I am the one the CNA's talk to. I have always been a team player..and find the importance in working as a solid team with special abilites per rank...I mean..I can do more than a CNA, but I don't flaunt it, I help my teammates by using my skills for the sake of the patient/patients, and vice versa! They know this..and come to me with their issues and yes, even their praise when an implementation is a good one! (whew on that!).

I find that all staff need someone to talk to, to discuss thing without fear of being fired! Most times good ideas are lost because of fear of being fired...so the best thing is to have a set person to come to...and a set chain of command to go to..and NO FEAR of being fired!!!! I cringe when I think of all the ideas lost because of fear!

That would be my best suggestion...now for me...I can't go to my admins with anything I hear...because not only will they get fired...but I will too..that doesn't help anyone..and for some reason...THEY always find out who started it!!!!!!!! (cleaver little poops!).

Johnson, I have been in my position as DON of a small 40 bed facility for less than a month. I attend both day and evening reports to the CNAs several times a week. I use this time to relay information to the staff. I always ask how things are going and encourage them to ask questions, clear up misconceptions, clarify rumors, etc. I also ask them for suggestions to improve the function of the facility. This took a lot of time the first few weeks, but things are settling down now as we get accustomed to each other.

I think they like the open communication and that their opinions are so valued.