Opinions on Employee of the Month

Nurses General Nursing

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As nurses, we always appreciate being recognized when we've done a good job.  However, what is the best way, really, for employers to show their appreciation?

At my workplace, we are starting an Employee of the Month program to recognize employees who go above and beyond.  Although I like the idea of outstanding employees being appreciated, I personally have reservations about such a program.  My main concern is that it might lead to animosity among coworkers who don't receive it or make some employees feel as if they aren't important.  To me, highlighting a single person doesn't really emphasize the importance of teamwork.  I spoke with a few coworkers who feel similarly. 

Anyone have a similar program at your workplace? Any thoughts? 

Specializes in retired LTC.

MPKH - which shift?

Specializes in General Internal Medicine, ICU.
52 minutes ago, amoLucia said:

MPKH - which shift?

We all worked rotating day and night shifts.  

I found the favorites got picked all the time, above and beyond the ones that did all the extra work, volunteering, etc.   It caused a lot of resentment and employees actually left over it.  

Specializes in Community health.
On 11/17/2021 at 6:53 PM, Davey Do said:

 

However, I did work at Wrongway Regional Medical Center where MN nurses were praised for their ability to stay awake and not deep six patients.

When I was looking at a job board recently, I saw an ad for a nurse at a group home. Under "requirements," it said "All staff must be awake for their entire shift." I was like, Dang, I don't know, that's some seriously high standards…

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
9 minutes ago, CommunityRNBSN said:

When I was looking at a job board recently, I saw an ad for a nurse at a group home. Under "requirements," it said "All staff must be awake for their entire shift." I was like, Dang, I don't know, that's some seriously high standards…

That’s because overnight staff in group (at least the ones I managed) had a lot of trouble staying awake

Specializes in Family Nursing & Psychiatry.

I think it’s a motivator for going above and beyond, thinking outside the box. But I’d rather have a salary raise and be compensated well. 

Specializes in retired LTC.

Poor wages for the ancillary staff relegates many to working multiple jobs. And I mean like 2 (TWO) fulltime jobs, and sometimes a third.

Usually the 'SLEEP SHIFT' is on NOCs so the employee can doze intermittently. But I've seen staff blatantly make a cozy 'NEST' to sack out.  Or they conveniently disappear SOMEWHERE until discovered. I will intervene with these 'sleepers'. Of course, these were the barely marginal employees and never ever poss to be considered for 'Employee of the Month'.

Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.

Years ago I received  at home,a dozen  roses and a certificate of employee of the month with a hand written card of appreciation from the Nursing Director! Later that month, they took a picture and it lined the central office hallway for a whole month! I was surprised and happy! It still makes me happy when I think about it ! 

Specializes in NICU.

Terrible idea,just creates hurt feelings for those that quietly do their work,or work a shift that does not get recognize.They have used all sorts of ridiculous "prizes" over the years,instead of treating all nurses well.We have been subjected to a rose ,walked into the unit by some pump and pearls gang and handed to one person.Imagine how the rest of very hardworking staff felt.They have recognized clerks  over the nurses,ignored the complimentary cards nurses got.Then they really *** on the whole institution by selecting Nurse of the year.,a competent yet very lacking in areas.Then ....The one thing we all really  enjoyed was taken away.If you are pro union ,u will never recognized for anything,forget the gold watch on retirement.Seen it happen many times.Only their  best pets get selected for tv ads,photo shoots promos,new programs.God help us all.

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