NO CRISIS ZONE!

Do you have a small space from which you can create a relaxing nook for your staff? It may be just a corner of your break room or one end of your locker room. Designate that space as your unit's relaxing nook.You could even make up a catchy name for it:

No Crisis Zone!   Radiology Rejuvination Area!   My Space!

Don't allow phone calls in the space. Ask staff if anyone has an old lazy-boy recliner they'd donate. Also, see if anyone has a magazine rack they'd like to donate. Have staff bring in magazines after they've read them. Or inspiring, pick-me-up books that can be read quickly, like the Chicken Soup series.

How about a poster or two for the space? A lamp? A couple of throw pillows? A CD player with earphones? A tabletop battery operated rippling water fountain? A kitchen timer so no one accidently goes over their allotted break time?

We all know we're more productive when we take a few moments to re-group, yet so often we run from crisis to crisis and never take that opportunity. Think of our staffs, and the number of crises they manage daily. Would they benefit from a small nook designated entirely to replenishing their soul for a few moments? Would our patients benefit?

"It appears that the techniques which have the greatest motivational impact are practiced the least, even though they are easier and less expensive to use."
- Dr. Gerald Graham, distinguished Professor of Management; Wichita State University