Posted by Lori on September 08, 1999 at 20:46:06:
In Reply to: Looking for ideas for (cheap)positive reinforcement... posted by L.Johnson, RN,BSN on September 06, 1999 at 21:37:17:
: I have been the Inservice Director for about 6 months in a Central New York Nursing home (160 beds). I am disgusted with the complete lack of ANY positive reinforcement of the staff, employee recognition or staff appreciation. I have spent hours talking to our Administrator, trying out different ideas, and have gotten hardly anywhere. I have NO budget, so any cheap ideas would probably work best. Our staff is burned out (who isn't) and the new staff we hire leave after a few weeks. I feel for the C.N.A.'s because I know your jobs are so difficult, are the backbone of the facility and you do your jobs day in and day out with so much care. I don't understand why it is so hard for our Administration (DON included) to even start to verbally recognize the hard work of the aides. Am I just being new and idealistic? The Administration feels and has said at ameeting, (CRINGE, ouch!!!) that the nursing staff "is replaceable". I could just vomit. I know who has the hardest jobs in the building, but what can I do??
Their positive reinforcement is already there, YOU! No, you are not being idealistic. Keep the faith. It will take RNs like you to assist us in achieving the professional recognition we so richly deserve. Guard your positive attitude because the industry has robbed many good people of theirs. Your adm & DON may have once shared our ideals but gradually lost them due to the difficult times in health care. Unfortunately there are bad CNAs that keep administration occupied looking for new CNAs and filling call in's etc... that their energy is zapped, leaving little time for the true treasures. I am not defending them mind you only demonstrating how things have a way of taking their tole. Do not let that happen if you can prevent it. Follow everyone elses suggestions you have received here and do what you can as a professional to offer sincere praise for all they do. It will mean a great deal. I am one of the founders of the National Association of Geriatric Nursing Assistants, located in Missouri. We are the only national trade association of CNAs. Although we are not free, myself or Lisa Cantrell would be happy to discuss ideas with you by phone at no charge. We can be reached at [email protected] or (800)784-6049. Keep the faith!