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Weekly Q&A: Encouraging staff to submit stories

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, January 9, 2007

This week, a reader wants to know how to encourage staff nurses to submit their stories to be used in the evidence. Read the answer below from our advisor Gina Boring, BSN, RN, ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®project coordinator at Aultman Health Foundation in Canton, OH.

Q: How can I encourage nurses at my facility to submit their stories to be used in the evidence, and would using a form be helpful?

A: An easy way to tease out stories from nurses is to create a simple form that includes the timeframe of the story, key players, and outcomes. Attaching an incentive to this request may also be helpful. Raffles and "story drives" may generate more submission interest. Staff often struggle with what types of stories are being sought, so make it easy by defining categories such as

• community involvement
• how a nurse or group of nurses positively effected a patient outcome
• how a nurse or group of nurses helped a fellow employee in a time of great need
• staff involvement in workforce or unit redesign
• humanitarianism

Encourage everyone at the facility-including non-nursing staff-to submit a story. The stories will add a personal dimension to your document, so choose creative, unique stories that offer the appraisers a fresh perspective on the character and commitment of your nursing staff.

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