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Weekly Q&A: Engaging chronically negative staff

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, October 4, 2005

This week, a reader asks for suggestions to engage chronically negative staff. Read the response below from our advisor, Elise Gropper, PhD, APRN, CPHQ, CNAA, BC, president of Gropper & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm in Coral Springs, FL.

Q: We are committed to achieving ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® designation, but are struggling with some foundation issues: How do you engage "chronically negative" staff and those who do not want to participate? This lack of engagement results in a few staff doing the work of many and therefore feeling overwhelmed. Our community hospital nurses are unionized, do not have a clinical ladder, and will make no effort to go "above and beyond." We are looking for concrete steps to take. Can you offer suggestions?

A: This is a question that many unionized organizations struggle with. I have found that engaging negative staff in the process usually turns the skeptics into active participants, if not actual cheerleaders. You need to "sell" the Magnet Recognition Program®to the negative staff and possibly the union, if they don't currently support the effort. Emphasize what is in it for them through activities such as presentations or fairs. Several benefits to convey to nurses include more autonomy in decision-making, more involvement in new programs and transitions, and greater recognition for their work from the entire organization. As with any new endeavor that affects nurses, include union delegates in the designation initiative for their input and support. Although it is initially challenging to actively engage skeptics, the outcomes are well worth the effort.

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