Staff recognition: Think outside the box

I was thrilled to read the article "The Path to Staff Appreciation" by Juanita Parry, MS, BS, BSN, ADN, and Beatrice J. Kalisch, PhD, MSN, BSN, in the May issue. I'm very passionate about nursing and feel that sometimes management doesn't understand how to recognize the work of the nurse. The article was refreshing to read, and I cried at the thought of the video about the job of nurses. I appreciated how committed management was to the project. Nurses are horrible about accepting praise for a job well done. We do forget how patients and families lives are changed because of our hands, caring words, or soft touch.

Hospitals need to think outside the box for ideas on how to recognize nurses. A hospital near where I live did a mosaic of all their nurses. After they got the pictures done, staff voted on the background of the mosaic. The three choices were the nurse's lamp, a nurse's cap, or a red heart in a pair of hands. The staff members were constantly talking about the mosaic and the vote. In the end, the nurse's lamp won. The mosaic was revealed at the Nurses Week celebration, and the nurses were happy and proud of it. To me, this is a far better way to appreciate staff members than giving them a cup, a bag, or any other gift.

Don't let your workplace define you

I was thrilled and honored upon hearing I had been awarded the role of nursing director of a large CCU. My enthusiasm, however, quickly turned to serious concern as I realized the work ahead might be full of unrealistic expectations and clashes in administrative nursing values.

Thank you for publishing the article "What Can You Do When Work Isn't Working?" by Mary Ann T. Donohue, PHD, RN, APN, NEA-BC, in the June issue. I agree that our workplaces don't define us and no matter what turmoil exists in our work environment, nurse leaders need to recognize there's support outside the workplace walls.

Professional organizations can provide a world of information, collaboration, and support. I must admit, after years in nursing management, I've never been part of a professional organization. As I pursue my Master's degree in Nursing Administration and Finance, I realize how important this may be.

Peeking at a few professional organizations' websites, I found fresh information, including ideas on how to improve patient outcomes and promote collegiality, both in the workplace and in the work community. The networking, professional dialogues, and concepts seemed invaluable tools. I look forward to accessing these websites and possibly introducing a few of these newly discovered ideas at my own facility.

Being thoroughly convinced, I'm happy to report I'm a new member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives and will also be seeking membership in my local chapter. Resolving possible disappointment and frustration in my leadership role is my professional responsibility and with a new outside support system, I can look forward to being on the job with renewed excitement and enthusiasm. Thank you!

Michelle Metzger, BSN, RN, CCRN, PHN

Red Bluff, Calif.

Cheryl Jacobs, BSN, RN

Graduate Student Florida Atlantic University