The number of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to expand from 2.71 million in 2012 to 3.24 million in 2022, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. These new nurses will be from a younger generation with fairly different beliefs and expectations. So surveys for nurses over working practices will only be successful if the right questions are asked. To ask the right questions, there will need to be increased engagement between management and nursing staff. One way to do this is by using weekly or biweekly surveys to ask nurses short questions about workplace practices. You will also need to give them a chance to give feedback anonymously.
Recognition in the workplace
The first thing you should consider when surveying nurses is the kind of recognition you offer for exemplary behavior or work ethic. Formally or informally acknowledging a person’s or team’s behavior, effort or actions that benefit or support an organization, helps employees feel appreciated. In fact, 36% of employees say that the main reason why they leave their job is because of lack of recognition, according to a recent study by Achievers. So in your survey you should ask the nurses questions about what type of recognition they think is appropriate for them, and what type of actions or behavior should warrant recognition.
Remember that recognition does not have to be a complicated process involving expensive gestures. As a matter of fact, just a simple direct and honest 'thank you' for a job well done works best, according to an article on Forbes. The popular employee of the year awards concept does work, but it isn’t fast or spontaneous, and may not be genuine. Also find out how much recognition is enough recognition, and how adequate recognition can help prevent conflicts.
Conflicts in the workplace
In 2015, the American Nurses Organization had to create a policy to reduce disruptive behavior among nurses that had gotten really bad. The policy is meant to create a culture where registered nurses and employers act in a civil, and respectful manner without bullying and workplace violence. A nurse that refuses to work with a colleague, ignores a patient or bullies another nurse, is displaying disruptive behavior. Use surveys to gauge working relationships between nurses and other people in their workplace. Ask questions about why such conflicts arise and what types of actions should be taken to handle such situations. This can help you formulate a document detailing the kinds of behaviors that are acceptable in the workplace and which are not. Try to come up with ways that will increase wellness among workers to reduce conflicts.
Wellness in the workplace
It is appropriate to consider the mental and physical health of nurses in the workplace. You need to know what types of shifts can result in a well-rested nurse capable of doing their job as expected. In your surveys, ask the nurses about what type of healthy snacks, water or exercises that they would want in the workplace, listen to their feedback and take steps to provide what they feel would help them.
It is true that your organization may not be able to offer everything the nurses want, but that engagement could lead to a compromise that will work for both sides. Just the action of engaging with your employees makes them feel appreciated in the workplace, and a little appreciation can go a long way.
About Insightlink:
Insightlink Communications is a leader in full service employee surveys and offers a range of employee survey products and services to fit their client's needs. With over 18 years of experience, Insightlink's reputation has been built on giving organizations the knowledge they need to create effective change using their acclaimed employee research, analytics, benchmarking and survey methodologies. Insightlink's expertise in data collection reporting and analytics takes the pressure off organizations that find data overwhelming and daunting creating reports that are digestible and understandable, simple and easy to understand for organizations of any size and experience level.
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