Keywords

action research, culture, empowerment, healthy workplace, magnet hospitals, participatory management, search conference, team behavioral norms, unit shared leadership

 

Authors

  1. Parsons, Mickey L. PhD, MHA, RN
  2. Batres, Carla BSN, RN
  3. Golightly-Jenkins, Clarice PhD, MSN, RN, CNS

Abstract

Promoting the development of positive work environments that attract and retain the patient care staff requires innovative management strategies. This article describes an emergency department staff's participation in a healthy workplace initiative and their priority action plans for beginning to create a healthy workplace. The planning and implementation of Team Behavioral Norms is delineated, including norms for communication, positive attitude, and individual accountability. This strategy may be used by emergency department leaders to enhance their patient care work environment.