The medical field is a demanding profession. Therefore, it’s essential for healthcare management leaders to create a positive and supportive culture. Are you looking for useful tips? Here are three ways to treat your nurses well.
How to Treat Your Nurses Well
Embrace Mindfulness
Mindfulness, or the mental state achieved by focusing on the present moment, reduces nurses’ stress levels and enhances patient care. Unfortunately, many people believe mindfulness isn’t for them because they “can’t sit still for 20 minutes.” However, a mindfulness practice requires only a few minutes each day. For example, at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital bells chime every day at 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. Nurses stop what they’re doing, breathe, notice how they are feeling and refocus. That’s it. And, Eileen Hinrichs, BSN, RN, NC-BC, chair of the holistic council, says the program “has been really well received.”
Prioritize Breaks
Working long hours without stopping doesn’t maximize productivity. Instead, it leads to exhaustion, burnout, and turnover. As a result, proactive medical facilities emphasize the importance of and actively encourage regular breaks. Even when things are extremely busy, a 20-minute rest period gives nurses a chance to recharge. This, in turn, allows them to put more energy into the remainder of their shift. The same logic applies to vacations and days off. When nurses occasionally step away from their duties, their performance and outlook improves. Of course, many medical facilities currently are struggling with staffing shortages that are forcing them to overschedule their nurses. If your organization is caught in this tricky situation, consider connecting with a staffing agency. They can help you find the coverage you need.
Invest in Career Development
Talented nurses want to expand their skill set so they can grow professionally and provide high-quality care. Yet, often their busy schedules make this a challenging goal. Luckily, it’s relatively easy for facilities of all sizes to support their nurses’ continuing education. Larger hospitals can provide on-site speakers and professional development opportunities. On the other hand, smaller clinics may tap into free or low-cost resources offered by organizations like Emory University. In addition, paying for and/or tracking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is a fantastic perk. Instead of having nurses worrying about CEUs on top of everything else, employers will be able to take this off their plate.
Are You Looking for More Healthcare Culture Tips?
BOS Medical Staffing publishes weekly blogs on topics ranging from improving retention to building a more inclusive staff. And if your facility needs additional staffing, we’ll help with that too. Our recruiters place per diem, travel, contract, and permanent nurses with top facilities in Atlanta, Georgia, and beyond. Learn more about the benefits of partnering with BOS Medical today!
