Showcasing Nurses as a Retention Strategy!

As managers, we're always on the lookout for opportunities to recognize our staff - - but we're also in a constant budgetary constraint . By looking for situations in which we can showcase our staff, we may be able to provide a form of recognition for those nurses who enjoy the public eye, while helping our organization with recruitment at the same time!

Here are a few ideas to get you started...         

• The next time your unit has something to report on in your Deaprtment Head meeting (most organizations have these at least once a month), have 2 or 3 staff members get up to present your data.
• Does your cluster have any type of "Huddles" or "Management Meetings"? This is another grand opportunity for staff to present information!
• Are you currently experiencing a staffing crunch? How about sending one of your RNs to a job fair or a College Career Day with your organization's Nurse Recruiter? No one can sell your unit to potential applicants like a nurse who works there!
• Most everyone is familiar with the strategy of beginning staff meetings with a recent "positive story" or compliment received. How much more of a positive impact would this have if presented by a nursing peer? Or one of your care assistants or unit secretaries?

WHAT OTHER IDEAS HAVE YOU IMPLEMENTED?!

Excellent Quote to Ponder...
"There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality - - and then there are those who turn one into the other."
~ Douglas Everett; Canadian Attorney and Senator