Last week was the Perioperative Nurses Week. With this occasion, the nurse educators on our unit prepared a series of short events each day, to show appreciation and motivate nurses: from a pledge board, to photos and presentations and even a chocolate fondue! Of course, all these events were possible with the educators' involvement; they brought their own kitchen gadgets, used their time to put everything together and ensure staff is having fun. We all know that healthcare is one of those areas where funds are limited (or inexistent). While this effort is laudable, I was wondering: where is the management? Peer appreciation is great, and it does make one feel great. But how about appreciation from our leaders and management? Why is that so rare and how important is that to the frontline staff?
It appears that actually, two of the top actions that employers can do to value staff are actually...free! Praise from managers and attention from leaders are followed by opportunities to lead. In healthcare, being recognized by your direct manager can make a huge difference. And surprising enough (for those who believe people are only motivated financially), a whopping 78% of employees would work harder if they would be recognized! I can only imagine what this would do on any unit. The nursing profession is based on a deep personal value, of helping people. Because ultimately, team members who feel poorly regarded by the leader are going to have the human propensity to remain disconnected from the leader and the common goal (J. Nance, Why hospitals should fly).
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