Retreat a little to build staff morale
So are your field nurses a little stressed . . . too much work and no play?
Maybe it’s time to hold a half-day retreat where there’s very little work and plenty of games and food.
Petaluma Valley Home Health in Petaluma, CA, holds a retreat every one or two years with the goal of building morale, says Nancy Vedder, PHN, RN, quality improvement nurse for the agency that serves an area north of San Francisco.
"The last time we held one we described to the staff what our agency’s strengths were, and we put together our mission statement," Vedder says.
About 70 people attended, from nurses to social workers, home health aides, support staff, and management. The location can be a local community center, or a hospital conference room, or even a hotel banquet room.
Vedder says the agency’s last retreat asked staff for their input on where the agency was heading under a capitated care environment. Its goal was to share information and set goals for Petaluma Valley.
Serious fun
But this serious mission was coupled with role-playing, guessing games, prizes, and a free lunch.
Some years, the fun activities overshadow the business side. For example, one year the agency invited a local speaker to talk about his area of expertise: colors.
"He showed us how different colors affect [your mood and] the way you look at things," Vedder recalls.
Another time, an occupational employee health nurse talked about relaxation techniques.
The agenda isn’t as important as providing staff with an opportunity to bond and have team building, she notes. "Some years it’s more fun and entertaining than others."
[To contribute to Tips From the Field, contact Melinda Young, editor of Homecare Education Management by writing to P.O. Box 1024, Tryon, NC 28782, or faxing an idea to (704) 859-5854, or calling (704) 859-2066, or sending an e-mail to [email protected]]
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