Nurses standing around chatting...

RE: Nurses standing around chatting...

Trish — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 14:41:07 GMT

Sorry to hear about your little gang of nurses standing around chatting. I'm afraid yours is not the only practice where this happens. I also felt that I had to say something to my Head nurse about a similar situation but like you got nowhere! It is frustrating watching people cherry pick the jobs they wish to do...talking about how busy they are all the time....

RE: Nurses standing around chatting...

nikki84 — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 20:51:42 GMT

Daily am and pm tick charts which need to have people's initials on when they have completed the task. I found these really helped because everyone knew what needed doing and there were no excuses. I would check the tasks were completed and speak to whoever was on lates/earlies to work out why some things weren't done. Just ensure everyone is aware of what is expected in a meeting then there are no excuses for not doing it.

I also gave everyone an area with a weekly deep clean list. If they had 'nothing to do' they always had this list to fall back on. The areas were checked weekly once the jobs were done to ensure it had been completed to a good standard.

It often needs someone to call a meeting with all nurses to point out the issues which doesn't single anyone out. This way everyone can be addressed and there is no bad feeling. Make it positive. Not a grumble but about how things can be improved.

RE: Nurses standing around chatting...

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 08:24:07 GMT

hi,

agree very much that jobs lists work as then no one can say "oh I didn't know it needed doing..."

Accountability is also a key motivator. So perhaps set up a morning 'buzz' meeting (only has to be 3 mins long) to distribute the responsibilities (could be by area, could be role specific... Whatever works). Then, any fails or successes are down to that individual person and can be addressed or rewarded accordingly.

I would also include a Handover Section so when nurse goes on a break or leaves for the day they have ensured that take over responsibility has been satisfactorily achieved.

the above takes a big bite out of your day to set up and can cause grumbling amongst those who say "we do this anyway" and those who say "I feel like you don't trust me" and those who say "too much monitoring" or similar... To counter this you can state 1. "Yes, you do but not everyone does so please help me to get the team up to your standards. I really value your professionalism, thanks" 2. "I completely trust that you can do this and do it well, thanks" 3. "Once the team knows what is what the closer monitoring may not become necessary as we will all be to standard. In the short while, let's try it and see how we go. I'd appreciate your feedback on it, thanks"

introduce the new system at a nurse meeting so everyone has a chance to reflect on it before it is implemented. You may get some more ideas out if it. Make certain everyone knows that this is not to cancel the new system but to enhance it; this WILL go ahead and will be monitored for continuous improvement.

the system does need to be monitored as failure to do so is demotivating for those who adopt it to see any not doing so getting away without repercussion (positive encouragement to kick up the bottom -whatever is appropriate!).

at first, in my experience, you will find monitoring daily is a good idea. Then weekly and ultimately spot checking if going well. After a time familiarity can breed a bit of laziness and boxes are forgotten to be ticked on forms but the job gets done well. But hey, that's the goal isn't it?! I'd forgive a tick fail but only if is isn't causing a problem of ANY kind☺ ...

RE: Nurses standing around chatting...

Sam.23 — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 22:16:37 GMT

Maybe a jobs list for each area? That way if someone isnt sure they could check to see what needs to be done. Or try to establish a shut down protocol for each area, it might be easier if these little jobs become part of the daily routine. I'd suggest getting people to initial stuff rather than tick it off just so you can see who has done what and make sure it isnt just the same people picking up the slack