Unhappy Hospital

[lilbitgeeky]

Recently we had our unit committee meeting and among all of the other topics that we handle it was mentioned that there has been a culture shift in our hospital, and not for the better.

We have had a lot of change recently and a lot of overcrowding. We have made many single rooms into double rooms to accommodate for the increase in census, spent many nights on diversion hoping something didn't walk in through the ER and boarding ICU patients in the ER.

I understand where the frustration is coming from however, our ER is feeling the backlash from all departments in a way we never have before. There is more attitude, yelling and meaningless reporting of things that were once handled between staff now going to managers (petty things). Our manager has said that this isn't just a couple of the units, it's all the units and of course we aren't excluded.

We have decided to start a little initiative. When we have staff in another department who are helpful, pleasant or nice we are going to give them a couple of piece of candy that have a little tag on it that says "Thank You" with room to write on the back as to why we are thankful for them.

But, what other things can we try?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

We use an electronic system that allows us to recognize employees who go the extra mile. For every 10 of these received, the employee earns 1,000 points. Points can be redeemed for merchandise and gift cards. Getting these really encourages people to continue going above and beyond because there is a tangible reward. Candy doesn't have much value, and not everyone would be able to eat it- personally, I would think it such a little trinket as to be insulting if it were coming from management.

[lilbitgeeky]

Just to clarify, this isn't something from management. This is staff to staff, and not just nurses. We want something to recognize the little things that our hospital culture has lost. We'd like to be able to recognize the techs that are still helping transport techs move patients off the ER carts and get them settled, or nurses who call back to take report instead of waiting thirty minutes and having the ER call again. The little things that encouraged teamwork in our hospital have gone away recently and we, as the ER nurses, want to show our appreciation. We just need some ideas on how to do it.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

"That was a really good report. Thank you. "

Nurse to nurse communication can be tricky when dealing with stressed out people. Quietly validate people who do a good job.

Simple respect goes a long way. If the sending nurse missed an order, check with her and fix it. Treat people nicely and your culture will change.

Don't give any creedence to the people who constantly criticize and complain.

If you model good behavior, things will improve.

[inshallamiami]

Candy? little cards? what are we, children? So management creates a problem (understaffing usually) and the staff gives out candy? If you want to do something, get management to deal with the root cause of the stress.

[inshallamiami]

Oh wait, I know, how about stars!!! yeah, that would "improve the culture"

[Emergent, RN]

We got a recent in-service that explained that for every negative that is said to a person, one must say 10 positives. I believe studies support this.

I advise everyone to read the book 'Man's Search for Meaning'. The Author was German-Jewish psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl. In the book he describes his experiences in a concentration camp, and how he found happiness and meaning there, despite adverse conditions.

I don't think candy is a good reward even for children, but there are positive small things we can do for our co-workers. Compliments, coffee cards, small gift certificates for restaurants, etc.

Another nice thing to do is anonymous cash gifts for our lesser paid workers such as CNAs, housekeeping, unit secretaries. I gave a $200 money order anonymously at Christmas to an ER tech who is a single Mom and going through nursing school. I like to pay it forward.

[brownbook]

Instead of thanking each other when things are tough we will blame management.....geeze....sorry but I love to hear a thank you after a tough shift rather than b******g about management!

lilibitgeeky did not mention any specific issue that management was doing wrong. She didn't say anything about management cutting staff or limiting overtime, she just said there had been a culture shift, changes, and census was high.

Unless culture shift is code for cutting back on staff? Honestly I'm not sure what culture shift means?

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I hate to say this, but "a couple pieces of candy"? Are they five? That is childish and that may backfire on you, I would give them 5.00 gift cards for coffee or something similar. Even a gift card to the hospital cafeteria would be more beneficial. Maybe I am no appreciative. I know five dollars is going to cost more money, but...

As someone else said, let staff know you are looking to fix the underlying problems, putting a bandaid on continuously isn't going to help!

HPRN

[inshallamiami]

We use an electronic system that allows us to recognize employees who go the extra mile. For every 10 of these received, the employee earns 1,000 points. Points can be redeemed for merchandise and gift cards. Getting these really encourages people to continue going above and beyond because there is a tangible reward. Candy doesn't have much value, and not everyone would be able to eat it- personally, I would think it such a little trinket as to be insulting if it were coming from management.

Really? You have to PAY people to be nice? Personally I try to be nice for free, not be rewarded by a computer for "stuff"

I seem to be really out of sync in this thread.

[Libby1987]

You the 5 love languages? Gifts have little meaning for some of us while genuine verbal affirmation and deeds make us feel loved/appreciated etc.

Colleague to colleague should be shown mutual respect and appreciation.

CNA's and clerical who are working every bit as hard but making a fraction should be shown appreciation and a gift card is nice.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Have staffing levels been increased in accordance with the increased patient census? If not, staff and patients will be stressed and frustrated, the solution is to provide more manpower, not empty platitudes.