Energize and motivate staff to conduct research

A motivated nursing staff is key to achieving outcomes of excellence. All facilities require motivation from nurses to increase productivity and service in a creative, efficient manner. However, this isn't always an easy task, especially when you are trying to motivate your nurses to get involved in research.

Some organizations may tie research into professional development expectations, such as in a clinical ladder or other career advancement program. Others may reward and celebrate nurses who engage in research, such as recognizing them as "change champions" and allowing them time off from the unit to participate in committees or team-building projects. Consider doing the following to get your staff excited about conducting research:

• Send thank-you cards and e-mails
• Present employees with certificates to hang on the wall (you can make professional-looking certificates with any desktop word processing software)
• Provide team/ peer recognition (e.g., in a hospital newsletter)
• Encourage team members to aim for advancement
• Provide designated parking spots for employees who have excelled
• Present new challenges to team members (do not let them "coast" once a project has been completed)

How do you boost staff motivation at your facility?