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Now and then, I like to ask my readers for input as to topics they would like to see addressed on my blog. One of the most common requests involves how to encourage various departments at the nursing home to get along with each other.
This is the topic I was working on in January when I received word that the nursing home where I volunteered was on fire. So, I put my notes aside and just recently picked them up again.
In hindsight, I’m glad I waited to publish this article. That’s because now, more than ever before, we all need to get along to survive the pandemic.
These are examples of comments I’ve received:
From an activity aide: “We run our butts off trying to find meaningful activities for our residents. Couldn’t the nurses help transport residents to activities instead of sitting in front of their computers all the time?”
And then from a nurse: “The activity aides get to have fun with the residents all day. Call lights are going off like crazy, and we need to get our assessments into the computer before the end of the shift. Why can’t the activity aides answer call lights once in a while?”
From a laundry aide: “Why do the CNAs always forget to mark residents’ names on their new clothes? Things get lost, and then families come in here and yell at us!”
And then from a CNA: “Laundry staff is always putting clothes back in the wrong rooms, then residents get mad at us when we can’t find them. Don’t they read the labels?”
Does any of this sound familiar? Unfortunately, these and similar complaints often surface in nursing homes. The saddest part is the fact that the resident is the one who ultimately suffers when the staff doesn’t get along. That’s why today I’m sharing eight ways we can support teamwork among all departments at the nursing home.
Use the right channels
Every nursing home has a chain of command to follow when addressing a concern. In most cases, this begins by talking one-to-one with the person with whom you have a problem.
When done tactfully and privately, you can often solve the problem on the spot. Maybe you’ll discover that your co-worker isn’t even aware of your concern or how their behavior affects others. Or you might find that there’s another side to the story, and there’s a logical reason behind your co-worker’s actions.
This conversation may feel uncomfortable, and it’s tempting to just share your frustrations with other co-workers in the form of gossip. However, this solves nothing and only causes more stress.
If a one-to-one conversation doesn’t work, then go to the next step in the chain of command. You don’t want to give up on a situation that could adversely affect your residents or your fellow employees.
Step into their shoes
When I started working at a nursing home in Minneapolis, part of the orientation for RNs involved spending a shift working one-to-one with a CNA. Although I had worked as a CNA in high school, this was an excellent reminder of the challenges a CNA faces in a nursing home—both physically and emotionally. I believe this experience made me a better supervisor and a better team player.
I know of other nursing homes that offer all of their staff the opportunity to spend a few hours working in other departments. If you can do this, please take advantage of the experience!
Ask for input
It’s easy to wear blinders when we’re looking at a challenge within our own department. For example, as an RN, I often look at problems from a nursing perspective.
Yet, someone from another department might see a situation from a fresh angle. As a result, they’ll come up with a brilliant idea that never would have occurred to me as a nurse.
Next time you’re facing a problem, run it by a few people from other departments. Don’t be surprised when they help you come up with a better solution.
Show appreciation
It’s human nature to work harder and enjoy our jobs more when we feel appreciated. This, in turn, means better care for our residents. Plus, when you express appreciation to someone, then they’re more apt to help you when you’re having a rough day.
Every shift, I hope you’ll keep an eye out for people who go the extra mile—not only in your department but in all departments. Then offer them a sincere compliment. Better yet, let their supervisor know, too!
Have fun together
Especially during the stress of the pandemic, we need to have fun together at work. I hope you have a multi-disciplinary team at your nursing home whose sole purpose is to plan fun activities for the employees.
Did a resident recover from COVID? Celebrate! Is a dietary aide adopting a child? Celebrate! Did a nurse pass a test to become certified in a specialty? Celebrate!
But this isn’t only the responsibility of the team. Anyone can create spontaneous fun. Get to know your co-workers, keep your feelers out, and find every reason to celebrate. It need not be something elaborate or expensive. Besides, if employees have fun, then residents have fun, too!
Don’t tolerate bullying
We define bullying as “intentional behavior, which is typically repeated, that hurts, harms, or humiliates…” (pacer.org) For a variety of reasons, healthcare seems to have more than its share of problems with bullying. This may occur within a department or between departments at a nursing home.
Bullying could easily be a separate topic for an entire blog post. Fortunately, today we can find many resources to help us develop an environment that shows zero-tolerance for bullying. The resource I’ve found most helpful is the work of Dr. Renee Thompson. You’ll find a litany of useful articles on her Healthy Workforce blog.
Do it now
In the busyness of our days, it’s often easy to put smaller problems on the back burner. However, we quickly discover that those little problems tend to grow and fester if left unattended. What started as something minor can spread like a virus and affect other people and other departments before we know it. Most issues are much easier to fix if dealt with right away.
Besides, how much time do we spend worrying about a problem, when we could dive in, fix it, and put it behind us? Then we’re free to move on and enjoy our work without the issue hanging over our heads.
Share information
When changes are in the works, sometimes we forget to share the details with other people—especially co-workers in other departments. But, when people don’t know what’s happening, it’s easy to fill in the blanks with misinformation.
True, there are some situations where we can’t release information. Yet, by letting people know as much as possible, we establish trust. We also help people in all departments feel like they’re a part of the team and part of the big picture.
Now it’s your turn! How do you promote teamwork among departments at your nursing home? I would love to see your suggestions in the comment section.
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