Showing Appreciation This Week

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC

So far, 2023 is turning out to be another challenging year in healthcare environments. Nursing shortages persist, and the financial picture for many health system finances is not good as costs continue to soar. Some hospitals have scaled back how much they do for nurses’ week, and many managers have dug into their pockets for unit celebrations. Yet, in many respects, staff have never needed to know more than now that they are appreciated for all they do. Nursing is hard today, and gratitude from patients and families is in short supply.

As nurse leaders, we have two powerful tools in our leadership toolbox: gratitude and appreciation. What is so interesting about gratitude is that while you make others feel good, Harvard research has found that thanking others will also make you happier. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. In a just-released AONL compendium, 55% of nurse managers reported that giving awards and recognition was among the top five tasks that bring them joy.

Having an attitude of gratitude can help to balance out the adverse effects of challenges and stresses. So during this nurse week, we must show appreciation for the work of our nurses. You may say – I do this every day and you might, but research indicates otherwise. Gallup tells us from their study that you almost can’t say thank you enough.

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 how many staff have never received a  written thank you note.
• Take the time to do professional and career coaching – it may seem odd to do career coaching this week, but many staff will rethink their goals during the turbulence.
• 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.

Gratitude is a way of investing in both ourselves and others. Finally, I want all of my blog readers to know how much I appreciate all that you are doing. This is a hard time to be a nurse leader, yet the work has never been more crucial.

© emergingrnleader.com 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Programs/Books Your Leaders May Find Valuable

From Traditional Nurse Leader to Nurse Leader Coach – Click Here for the Flyer

For new leaders and emerging leaders, consider doing The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership Program – Click Here for the Nuts and Bolts Flyer Final

New Leader Development Option in 2023 – Team Coaching Designed to the Unique Needs of Your Organization  Leader Coaching Brochure

Read the Nurse Leader Coach – Available at Amazon and Other Book Sellers

Recommended Book by the Association of Critical Care Nurses – The Nuts and Bolts of Nursing Leadership: Your Toolkit for Success