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Web site spotlight: Light a fire under your nurses

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, May 28, 2008

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No matter which way you look at it, you, as a leader, directly affect staff morale. Your body language on a stress-filled day, your expression of gratitude when an employee does more than what is asked of him or her, and your ability to discipline a worker when he or she is not performing up to standards, all tie into the overall work experience, good or bad.

But being aware of how you conduct yourself in your facility can make all the difference. Refer to the following tips for some guidance.

• Starting the day off right. Keep in mind the first steps you take into your facility set the tone for the rest of the day. Your arrival and the manner in which you speak to staff in these very first moments affect the mood and performance of those around you.
• Working employees into your schedule. Studies have shown that managers benefit by spending positive interaction time with their staff. Try to devote a part of your time each day with each person working during your shift.
• The power of simple words. Building up employee motivation has much to do with making people feel valued. Never underestimate "please" and "thank you." Also, never miss an opportunity to tell people they are doing a great job.

Editor's note: This excerpt was taken from the article "Nurse managers are key to revamping and reshaping staff motivation," found in the Reading Room at www.StrategiesForNurseManagers.com. Get a free trial membership that will give you 30 days to "test drive" all the exciting features on the Web site.

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