By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Happy Nurses Week to all our blog readers. Many health systems have in-person nurse recognition programs for the first time in two years. For some leaders, it has been hard to promote nurse enthusiasm this year about scheduled events. One nurse leader I interviewed relayed the following story:
I think we are missing the boat with younger staff. We are not asking how they want to be recognized but instead have guest speakers, wellness events, and cake parties. One of my new graduates told me that she does not feel either respected or heard and had no plans to attend our nurse recognition events. A one size fits all approach does not work anymore. We need to understand what appreciation and recognition look like to a very diverse group of staff.
This leader made an important observation. Some nurse leaders arrange recognition and think that they have checked that box, but staff may see this differently. Gallup’s research indicates that you can’t say thank you often enough, but it needs to be individualized with today’s workforce.
The gratitude you show to your team can take many forms, such as the following:
- A personalized handwritten note to each of your direct reports thanking them for their work and courage during this challenging time. Highlight at least one strength you have observed in them. In addition to the written message (a lost art in today’s world), the note shows an investment of your time. You would be surprised at how many staff have never received a written thank you note.
- Take the time to do some professional and career coaching – it may seem like an odd time to do career coaching, but during a crisis, many staff rethinks their goals.
- Ask how their families are doing – if they are struggling, look for referral sources that might be helpful. A quick “how can I support you right now” shows you care and are grateful for their work.
- Promote a spirit of appreciation where every staff member has an opportunity to recognize a teammate with something like a star award – You are a star because……..
- Food is always appreciated but will be more meaningful if it is something unique and if possible – homemade like cupcakes.
A nurse leader shared with me that she bought some personalized cards several months ago – the front said I am so thankful you are part of our team. Inside each card, she noted something special for each nursing staff – including travelers about why she was grateful they were on the team – something about their strengths and talents. It was the best thing I could have done, she observed. Doing this forced me to connect more with my staff to find out what made them special. Every time I discovered that exceptional thing, I felt like it was a leadership victory, and it made me feel good.
I think this leader is on the right track – what is often missing today on teams is a feeling that members are seen and valued as individuals.
© emergingrnleader.com 2022
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