Rewarding tenured staff - what have you seen?

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I'm cross-posting this from the nursing management board for more replies.

I'm a clinical leader in a busy pediatric hospital. Lately we've realized that we do very little to reward or recognize our more tenured staff. We want to be able to let these people know that we really do appreciate all their hard work, willingness to precept, be a resource, serve as charge RN, etc. Monetary rewards are really tough for us to do, but we're willing to consider anything. What has worked for you, or what have you seen/received that really made you feel good? Thanks for your time!! - Jaime

Specializes in PICU.

Two things that I can think of that doesn't cost my institution much/any but that is a nice perk. After you've been there 15 years, you don't have to float in general. Occasionally everyone is floating, but overall, it def saves a lot of floats.

Recently, they started giving out badge holders with "5 years", "10 years", etc. I think that's nice.

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Specializes in LTC.

In my last job at 15-20-ect... years of service we had a catalog that we could pick something out of....I still sleep on my two feather pillows!!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I'm cross-posting this from the nursing management board for more replies.

I'm a clinical leader in a busy pediatric hospital. Lately we've realized that we do very little to reward or recognize our more tenured staff. We want to be able to let these people know that we really do appreciate all their hard work, willingness to precept, be a resource, serve as charge RN, etc. Monetary rewards are really tough for us to do, but we're willing to consider anything. What has worked for you, or what have you seen/received that really made you feel good? Thanks for your time!! - Jaime

Please, no stupid trinkets/pins/tchotchkes. We get enough of that stuff on Nurses' Day. If you don't have money, then don't do anything.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
The holiday perk is a great idea. Nothing says appreciation like getting scheduled off for Christmas and Christmas Eve. I hope management where I work is reading this.

Not everybody celebrates Christmas. That would be meaningless to more than a few employees.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Bonuses. Yes, actual cash. It works in other industries, I'm not sure why it's such a foreign concept in health care. And in the form of an actual check/direct deposit, please ... no gift card thingies.

Parking perks.

Holiday/scheduling perks.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Two things that I can think of that doesn't cost my institution much/any but that is a nice perk. After you've been there 15 years, you don't have to float in general. Occasionally everyone is floating, but overall, it def saves a lot of floats.

Recently, they started giving out badge holders with "5 years", "10 years", etc. I think that's nice.

Wow. Badge holders. I'll bet they broke the bank buying them.

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Specializes in PICU.
Wow. Badge holders. I'll bet they broke the bank buying them.

TBH, comments like this are why I don't post much here. How did this contribute to the discussion?

They have done other monetary gifts. The OP asked about ways of recognition that don't cost a lot of money. I actually appreciate it because every patient/parent/employee I come in contact with learns that I am a long term employee.

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Saw one of my coworkers get an "Employee of the Month" award. Taken to lunch, small gift card to a local store, quick interview. She had been there 3 months total.

There is no Employee of the Month contest. Was just the bosses doing something nice. :lol2: The 20+ year vets became very bitter very fast.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

We got pulse oxes for employee appreciation. Also as a pt got a water bottle, maybe not everyone would like it but I do and use it everyday.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
TBH, comments like this are why I don't post much here. How did this contribute to the discussion?

They have done other monetary gifts. The OP asked about ways of recognition that don't cost a lot of money. I actually appreciate it because every patient/parent/employee I come in contact with learns that I am a long term employee.

It contributed in that if all we are thankful for is little doodads like badge holders and cheap pins, that's all we'll get. Patients can learn you're a long-term employee merely by asking. I get asked all the time.

I have a hard time believing hospitals can't reward long-term employees financially, particularly when you read how much CEOs of hospitals make, even the small hospitals.

How did your chastising me publicly contribute to the conversation?

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
We got pulse oxes for employee appreciation. Also as a pt got a water bottle, maybe not everyone would like it but I do and use it everyday.

Getting a pulse ox. is not that much of a reward; it's a work related item. I'd have rather had the money. Besides, doesn't your medical equipment have to be OK'd and routinely checked by Bio-Med?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Having holidays and weekends off and more time off would make me happy and wouldn't cost a lot of money! Giving employees more time off to spend with family and friends would be much appreciated!

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