New manager needs help

It's nice to see a manager like you who tries to get involved with their staff and create a positive work environment :)

Some suggestions:

Staff may like to see recognition for certain situations they were involved in. Such as if they handled a violent patient or family situation, or if they really took charge in a code or pre-code situation.

You could compliment them on certain skills or things they do that make the floor a better place to work. Everyone is good at something (starting IV's,wound care,time management skills,assessments,communication with the interdisciplinary team,precepting students/new hires,etc.). Get to know each and every one of your staff members and find out what they're good at,and let them know that you appreciate that!

Just be honest and speak from the heart. I know when my manager is blowing smoke up my butt with compliment City. It's usually when I'm on the verge of quitting. Fix the problems. Save the smoke blowing for someone else. I did the Air Force for 25 years...I'm well acquainted with BS.

Well, I am only a pre-nursing student, but I have been a teacher for 7 years now. I have learned to deal with praise all the time. What you should do is rather than label a nurse with a trait, briefly describe the job he/she did well. This will reinforce the "behavior" and allows you to be very specific as to why you give a praise. For example, if the nurse was very efficient in IV setup and administration, tell him/her that: "You managed to set up and administer the IV in such an efficient and composed manner that no other nurse I have seen ever do! Keep up the great work!" A response like this is very specific and targets the behavior you want to reinforce in a worker. It is much better than just saying "What a wonderful job you did! Thank you!" I hope I was able to give you a general idea. I do apologize if my wording was random or incoherent for I am experiencing some mild headache.