Need suggestions

allnurses Guide · Sep 29, 2009

I used to work on a busy med/surge floor that was the same way; not the best morale. One of our nurses came up with the idea of a fun, decorated little bulletin board/cork board, with little shaped, colorful pieces of paper that people could write little notes, mainly "Thank You" notes on, and pin the notes to the board. When I started there, she had made the board up in a colorful ocean theme and the pieces of paper were in shapes of fish and other sea creatures. Then she made one with a fall theme, then a winter theme, and so on.... just one idea. =)

anonymurse · Sep 29, 2009

The only sure-fire "exercises" I know of are personal. What I mean is, they start with oneself and don't demand of others. Rather, they invite. Paying 100% attention to what another is saying just plain works. Offering to help works. Now every time there's a different combination of folks on the floor, there's a different team. So it may be that only those teams that count you as a member will be your dream teams--that is to say, at minimum, teams where you know you're covered no matter what happens. But so what? Genuine, significant change is never achieved by applying management techniques to people, because everything worthwhile is built on personal trust. Change that matters, like trust, is built one on one over time. The key to effective one on one is the ability to be 100% present.

Mulan · Sep 29, 2009

I used to work on a busy med/surge floor that was the same way; not the best morale. One of our nurses came up with the idea of a fun, decorated little bulletin board/cork board, with little shaped, colorful pieces of paper that people could write little notes, mainly "Thank You" notes on, and pin the notes to the board. When I started there, she had made the board up in a colorful ocean theme and the pieces of paper were in shapes of fish and other sea creatures. Then she made one with a fall theme, then a winter theme, and so on.... just one idea. =)

I don't mean to sound offensive, but I find this type of stuff to be offensive, whether it's on the floor or from the education department.

I am an adult, I am not 6 years old.

Jami RN, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2009

I don't mean to sound offensive, but I find this type of stuff to be offensive, whether it's on the floor or from the education department.

I am an adult, I am not 6 years old.

:yeah:

I totally agree! The morale on my unit has been steadily declining over the past 3 years. The only thing my manager is willing to do is make a new bulletin board -- that is the answer to every problem. LOL My philosophy on the whole kindergarten game and craft mindset is that if you wouldn't expect a doctor to participate in it, then don't expect it to work for nurses. I hate that kind of crap!

To answer the original question -- I think what needs to change is that the nurses and other staff are treated with respect by the management and supervisory team, that workloads are appropriate, that nurses' opinions are valued and their suggestions are acted upon. This is a no-fail way to increase morale. Unfortunately, this is also why morale is so low on most hospital nursing units.

You can start by treating others with respect and kindness, helping where you can, and trying to be a pro-active problem solver. Ultimately, we can only control our own thoughts and actions and hope they impact others in a positive manner.

Just my two cents.

nursecassia · Sep 29, 2009

thank you for your input...The reason I am asking is we are having a hospital wide competition to see which area can come up with the best team building exercise or event etc etc... Personally I think it is fluffy crap, and I too agree that things would run much smoother if more emphasis was put on each person being more supportive and helpful..Sadly where I am, we are short staffed, there are major changes happening and people arent as willing to help as they used to be....My suggestion was that once a month we have get togethers at a different persons house each time, so we can get to know each other and bond without the stresses of work...so when we do return to work, we have more respect for the individuals we all are and hopefully in turn work together...

Im thinking that whatever activity it is, that it is off site. But I need suggestions, all suggestions..Things to do at work and away from work to help boost morale...The winning ward gets a staff room makeover or something..