Thinking of an incentive program for longevity....help

[NeosynephRN]

I am helping my floor(ICU) come up with either a form of recogintion or an incentive program for nurses that stay for long periods of time. I am still a new nurse so I would love some feedback as to what you would want!! Any ideas welcome!!

[KaroSnowQueen, RN]

Money.

Gift cards (over $25 please).

Money.

Mani/pedi gift cert.

Money.

GC for massage.

Money.

Paid day off for not missing a day in x amt of time.

Money.

I know mgmt will roll their eyes at money, but really! We aren't all working just for the fun of it. And anywhere that the staff was all men, these kinds of ideas would be laughed out of the place!!!!

(Not to criticise the OP, I understand where you're coming from, but....), I would vote for more money day in day out all the time. More money per hour, more money for shift diff, more money for coming in , more money for holiday pay, quicker accumulations of vacation/sick time, etc.

More and more health care facilities are owned by big corporations, and at some point, they have to realize that money talks and bull dung walks, and they are going to have to give out the money at some point, might as well be sooner as later in my POV.

[carachel2]

I've always maintained that the lack of promotion opportunities for bedside nurses is just dismal. A career ladder with REAL pay or bonus opportunities would have really motivated me. Instead, we get nominated for monthly "Angel" type of awards (insert eyerolls) with tickets for a free meal in the cafeteria (insert more eyerolls).

Treat me like a partner in the business and I'll act like one. Treat me like some idiot who can't see through the "free meal at the cafeteria plan" and, well.......you'll keep begging for nurses.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

i am helping my floor(icu) come up with either a form of recogintion or an incentive program for nurses that stay for long periods of time. i am still a new nurse so i would love some feedback as to what you would want!! any ideas welcome!!

scheduling preference? preference with holidays? more vacation time or first dibs on vacation time by longevity in nursing? a reduced weekend or holiday requirement?

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

I think the idea of longevity incentives is way underutilized. Too many facilities give lots of perks for new hires and ignore their long-term, committed employees (if they have any).

And I agree 110% that money should be at the top of the list.