Nurse Manager Staff Motivation

[Lindarizo]

I am an RN student in my last semester, and as an assignment for my leadership course I've been asked to post a question that I am "burning to ask". I appreciate any and all responses and look forward to reading what you all have to say.

We all know that the medical and nursing profession is an ever-changing and evolving industry. Change can be a major challenge for some nurses. What strategies and techniques can a nurse manager/leader use to reduce resistance and effectively introduce change to their staff?

Thank You!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Adequate staff to support the change. My facility recently changed how we staff the ORs. We do not have enough staff to meet the new model, and positions are not being opened to do so. Basically, we are still running the old staffing pattern but now each room is running with one less staff member.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Solicit staff input on how to implement the change.

[Nolli]

Solicit staff input on how to implement the change.

This! The best way to get people to change is to get them involved. If they feel ownership of the policy they are more likely to adopt and respect it. You need people to be able to feel like they can voice concerns and input on it. But you also have to make it clear why a change is needed in the first place.

There are lots of different theories about change, but I personally prefer Lewin's Theory:

There are three stages:

Unfreezing- Realizing the need for change and taking steps to address the attitudes and beliefs around it. Not everyone will initially believe that a change is needed and you need to deliver a compelling case as to why.

Moving - This is where you start to implement the changes. This can take awhile... change doesn't usually happen overnight.

Refreezing - This is where the change is cemented as the way things are done. People are comfortable with the changes and feel confident in them.

I think unfreezing is the hardest because you have to challenge people's way of thinking and doing things. It can be stressful.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Think about how you would like to be addressed with change. How do you like to be involved?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

There is so much literature out there on change theory. Have you looked at any of it? Surprise your instructor with more than quotes from anonymous responders on the internet.

[Lindarizo]

Thank you all for the wonderful feedback.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

And think about changing your AllNurses name, L.... R... . :) There are people here who will look you up on Twitter, FB, and LinkedIn in a heartbeat. Include prospective employers and attorneys in that list.