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Ask the expert: Maintaining momentum with a reduced budget

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, July 7, 2009

This week, a reader asks about how to maintain momentum on the designation journey when facing budget cutbacks. Read the response from advisor Meryl Montgomery, MSN, RN, ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® (MRP) director at The Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon.

Q: The recession has really affected our organization and our budgets have been cut across the board, including for our MRP journey. How can we maintain momentum and excitement with our limited resources?

A: Many organizations are cutting budgets due to economic concerns, so focus on ways you can trim costs while still maintaining momentum and excitement about the MRP journey:

• Keep nurses at the bedside: Have unit councils meet less frequently for longer periods, meet off-site for lunch or dinner, or incorporate council work at the end of staff meetings.
• Collaborate on research: Have a local nursing school's researcher meet with staff members to guide them in critiquing research articles and facilitating projects or collaborate with your local librarian.
• Use an in-house editor: Professional editors can review your documents, but they come at a price. Instead, ask a staff member or a retired nurse administrator from your institution to read the material for clarity, completeness, and redundancy. Those closest to your organization will share your pride and commitment.
• Organize evidence: Don't spend money on boxes for collecting and sorting evidence. Instead, gather recycled boxes from the hospital.

Editor's note: Do you have a question for our experts? If you would like us to consider your query for publication, please e-mail it to senior managing editor Rebecca Hendren at rhendren@hcpro.com.

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