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Web site spotlight: Improve culture amid an economic crisis

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, January 2, 2009

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by Denise Danna, DNS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

There are no quick fixes for cutting costs within a facility. System issues and problems often exist that, if resolved, could improve the overall budget. These system improvements take a great deal of time to implement for successful change, however there are some key points for developing a culture of accountability and engaging staff when facing economic perils:

• Involve staff whenever possible if making cuts to your hospital budget. They are often the source of good ideas and management needs staff buy-in on the decisions that are made. Acquire staff feedback by holding routine staff meetings, town hall meetings, and/or one-on-one meetings.
• Conduct focus groups with staff to elicit feedback and obtain critical information about the operations of your unit or facility.
• Make routine rounds on the units. Again, you will gain pertinent information that will assist you in making difficult decisions regarding cost-cutting your facility's budget.
• Conduct surveys to garner information from staff and proactively involve them in important issues affecting them.
• Provide a suggestion box to solicit staffs' thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, which can be valuable when making changes at your facility.

What are some other ways we can improve our work environments when cutting costs?

Editor's note: This excerpt was adapted from "Improve nursing culture amid an economic crisis" found in the Leaders' Lounge 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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