The ability to communicate effectively is a critical skill for nurse leaders (Roussel, Thomas & Harris, 2016). In the healthcare setting such as a hospital, nurses work various shifts, and communication can be challenging. Nurse leaders will need to utilize fundamental communication skills to achieve organizational goals (Roussel et al.,2016). There are various traditional ways that leaders can communicate with their staff, such as through emails, text, or even instant messaging (Roussel et al., 2016). Leaders are also finding creative ways to connect with every team members, so the message remains consistent.
One strategy that I would use as a leader to improve communication and empower the members of my team working various shifts is to restructure team huddles. The huddle is a quick meeting given while standing that last approximately fifteen minutes (Johnson, 2018). The huddles can also occur at any time of the day (Johnson, 2018). Providing huddles at various times of the day will allow effective communication with members of the team that works on various days and shifts.
Also, because everyone is assembled, it allows staff to participate in a discussion and give feedback on the information shared. Another way to share information about the magnet designations is to have it displayed as screen savers on the computers nurses use to document. The messaging on the computer screen is a strategy that is used at my workplace to update the employees on new initiatives, and it is useful.
Another strategy is establishing a bulletin board where the staff spends time, such as the break room, nurse’s station, or even restrooms. Ensuring the messaging reaches everyone helps make each member feel part of the team. Another strategy would include leadership rounding. The leader could visit and meet with staff members and provide updates and share information on the magnet designation.
References
Johnson, I. (2018). Communication Huddles: The Secret of Team Success. Journal Of Continuing Education In Nursing,49(10), 451–453. https://doi-org.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/10.3928/00220124-20180918-04 (Links to an external site.)
