By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
What are the odds you would talk about a nurse’s onboarding experience and then unknowingly have her in the audience when you present a poignant post she wrote on LinkedIn? It happened to me at the OR Manager’s conference a few weeks ago. In a keynote, I talked about Brenna’s rocky onboarding experience as outlined in the LinkedIn post below:
When you’re the new face in the OR by Brenna Page
Think back to the last time you started out at a new place. If it was recently, you probably didn’t get much of an orientation. You probably got a quick tour and then were asked to relieve for breaks & lunches. I wouldn’t be surprised if by day 2, you were on your own, feeling completely discombobulated and out of place. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I was recently in this position too.
I didn’t receive the best welcome. Hardly anyone introduced themselves, no one offered to help me out and I received several rude remarks when I would ask a question. I was quickly put in my place as the “new face no one wanted to deal with.” It’s funny how the doctors pick up on this behavior from the staff and in turn, also treat the new employee with little regard.
I understand the OR can be a tough culture, but we can do better. I’m gonna stick it out at this facility because that’s what I do. I don’t give up on something I’m willing to work for, even if everyone around me is rooting for failure. But it shouldn’t have to be that way.
Nursing, in it’s entirety, is facing a huge shortage. Treating the new employees disrespectfully is never ok. A smile and a simple “Welcome” go a long way for someone who is already overwhelmed and trying to get their bearings together at a new facility. Show your gratitude and appreciation for having them there because new staff are incredibly hard to find.
I understand many of us are working with travelers who are working for higher wages and that can have a lot of staff feeling angry and resentful, but please keep in mind, those people are there to help. Your call shift and overtime schedules are lighter because they are there.
Whatever the reason may be, let us work at being better and nicer humans. The OR is already a high-stress, demanding & physical work environment so let’s take better care of each other. And please, the next time you meet a new face at work: smile, introduce yourself and make sure they know you’re available for whatever help they may need. That simple act of kindness makes a huge difference.
As I spoke with the audience, I reminded them that while it was painful to read what Brenna had written, her experience is all too common today. Now for the good news, Brenna left that organization within 60 days. She found a new OR to work in with supportive colleagues and she is thriving. She felt her story needed to be told.
But not all stories will end this way. If Brenna had been in her first year of practice, she might have assumed that this is the way it is in all organizations. It does not matter how much we spend on recruitment – if new nurses have experiences like Brenna, they won’t stay.
© emergingrnleader.com 2022
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