Nurses of different generations are bound to hold different values, beliefs, and interests. For effective communication in and outside your unit, you must increase staffs' understanding of these differences. Here are some suggestions to get staff talking and bonding: 

Encourage staff to talk about their differences in a fun way: Get a multigenerational group together and start talking about the defining moments in their lives. Stimulate the discussion by asking questions such as:

• What was all the rage in fashion?
• What music and movies did you like growing up?
• Who were your role models?
• What is important for your generation?
• What are your core values?

Hold roundtable discussions: Every few months schedule a roundtable discussion and encourage each staff member to say to the group, "These are the talents, knowledge, skills, and experience I bring to the team. This is an area in which I would like to improve my performance this next quarter. I need support/help/mentoring so that I can improve. How can I get this from the group?"

Identifying what each person can bring to a group project is helpful. Acknowledge some of the communication barriers that each group has, and reiterate each generation's strengths. Encourage and foster group discussion in order to help them find common ground and understanding.

What are some other ways we can encourage staff collaboration in and outside of work?

by Denise Danna, DNS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE

There are no quick fixes for cutting costs within a facility. System issues and problems often exist that, if resolved, could improve the overall budget. These system improvements take a great deal of time to implement for successful change, however there are some key points for developing a culture of accountability and engaging staff when facing economic perils:

• Involve staff whenever possible if making cuts to your hospital budget. They are often the source of good ideas and management needs staff buy-in on the decisions that are made. Acquire staff feedback by holding routine staff meetings, town hall meetings, and/or one-on-one meetings.
• Conduct focus groups with staff to elicit feedback and obtain critical information about the operations of your unit or facility.
• Make routine rounds on the units. Again, you will gain pertinent information that will assist you in making difficult decisions regarding cost-cutting your facility's budget.
• Conduct surveys to garner information from staff and proactively involve them in important issues affecting them.
• Provide a suggestion box to solicit staffs' thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, which can be valuable when making changes at your facility.

What are some other ways we can improve our work environments when cutting costs?

by Debra Nussdorfer, MS, RN, PMHCNS-BC

Do you feel like everyone and everything is vying for your attention? Is your to-do list growing, calendar bulging, and are your deadlines looming? Regardless of the overload of responsibilities that await you, you can increase the energy and mental performance you put into each and every day. Here are some of my best tips to help you manage your time:

1. Be opportunistic. Build a network of colleagues to share best practices. Consider how many people attend a management meeting. Take turns writing the [department] newsletter with the management team for all units. Do walking meetings. Being aware of overall goals allows one to seize an opportunity when it presents itself.

2. Be proactive. Use language like "I need 10 minutes within the next week to ..." or "I have five minutes. Can we accomplish ...?" to set time boundaries and negotiate time extensions.

3. Reduce information overload. Choose journals and e-mail subscriptions judiciously.

4. Differentiate the urgent from important from nonessential. Some "requirements" may be revised or disappear.

5. High emotional arousal decreases cognition. Anger, ruminating, helplessness, blaming, and complaining steal time. Choose an attitude and expect the same of others. This fundamental choice allows a look for meaning in what is done and generates positive emotions and energy.

6. Reenergize. Make an agreement with colleagues to share and celebrate self care. Stop celebrating "I am so busy" and start celebrating "I went for a walk."

How do you manage your time effectively? Share your ideas here.