From Where We Sit: Timely Thoughts from Kathy and Liz March 14, 2022

Nothing leaders do is more important than hiring and developing people. At the end of the day you bet on people, not on strategies.— Lawrence Bossidy, American business executive.

It’s never an easy task, and I hate to say the words “since Covid,” but finding and hiring the right person is more difficult than ever. It’s amazing to me how many employers, especially manufacturers in our area, have turned to television to advertise job openings. The commercials are enticing. They showcase the job, the benefits offered, and some pretty high starting wages. It all sounds great, but as you know, getting people in the door is just the first step. Making sure your new hire the right fit and will stay long-term is the challenge and is based largely on how people feel they are treated. The old saying goes, “people don’t leave their jobs, they leave their managers.” How you integrate new employees is crucial for retention and success.

One easy thing you can do today is to ask yourself if your hospital, your department, your unit, is welcoming to new employees. You only have one chance to make a first impression. What do your new hires see?  Let them know you are glad they are going to work for you by rolling out the welcome mat.  Some easy ideas are simple things like putting up welcome signs, introducing them to your team, telling stories about your workplace and what makes it so great, checking-in often and answering questions, smiling and saying, “I’m glad you are here.”

A great way to get your new nurses started on the road to success is to have a good preceptor program. Onboarding serves its purpose, but it’s the deeper relationship that comes through precepting that helps new grads succeed.  ICAHN offers a Nurse Preceptor Academy that is a blend of online work and a live virtual day that is great for both seasoned and new preceptors. This year’s event is March 31, and you can learn more about the academy HERE.

The Preceptor Academy focuses on integrating new nurses, but the ideas translate well to any department. Here are some tips we share during the academy that work well for everyone who is orienting new employees.

• Listen to what the person wants to learn and don’t focus solely on what you want to teach.
• Take time to clearly explain expectations. This will decrease anxiety.
• Let the new hire know why their work is important to the mission of the hospital and to the patients you care for.
• Recognize that everyone is unique. Modify your teaching approach to help them learn.
• Be realistic. Be positive. Be patient. Be available.
• Share “pearls of wisdom” and those “unwritten rules” that are essential to survival.
• Remember when you started a new job and how overwhelmed you felt. If you can remember how you felt then, you can better understand your new hire.
• Be a strong role model. Your integrity = your credibility.

We’ve all had that horror story of being hired and having to learn the hard way about what the job expectations are and about our co-workers. Don’t let your workplace be that story. 

If you have any questions about the Nurse Preceptor Academy, contact Liz or me.