Many in the Long Term Care Healthcare Profession are discussing how to attract or retain Nursing Staff. That is the million dollar question. Staff are leaving due to Regulatory changes that they don’t want to deal with anymore such as:

• Needing another Covid booster
• Changes in regulatory processes in how they deliver care
• Changes in the MDS assessment process requiring more time to complete their assessments
• Simply due to an increased patient acuity with less work life balance

What are some way to help foster a postitive onboarding experience of a new employee beginning in your facility.

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1. Warm Welcome: Start by giving new employees a warm welcome. Introduce them to the team, provide a tour of the facility, and make them feel like they’re part of a caring and supportive community.
2. Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate job expectations and responsibilities right from the beginning. This includes sharing information about the job role, shifts, and any specific tasks they’ll be handling.
3. Buddy System: Assign a seasoned employee as a mentor or buddy to the new hires. This mentor can guide them through the ropes, answer questions, and provide emotional support.
4. Training and Education: Ensure that new employees receive proper training and education, especially when there are changes in processes. Offer regular training sessions and provide resources for self-learning.
5. Open Communication: Create an environment where new employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification. Encourage open and honest communication.
6. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop where new employees can provide input about their onboarding experience. This can help you make improvements and address any issues promptly.
7. Team Building Activities: Organize team-building activities or social events to help new hires bond with their colleagues. Feeling like part of a team can greatly enhance their job satisfaction.
8. Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize and appreciate their efforts and contributions. A simple “thank you” or acknowledgment can go a long way in making them feel valued.
9. Continuous Support: Remember that onboarding doesn’t end after the first week or month. Continue to provide support and check in on their progress regularly.
10. Empathy: As a long-term care nurse with a background in empathy, your ability to understand and address the concerns of new employees can make a significant difference. Show empathy towards their challenges and frustrations.
11. Problem-Solving: When employees complain about job-related issues, use your problem-solving skills to address these concerns. Analyze the problems and work together with the team to find effective solutions.
12. Positive Culture: Foster a positive workplace culture where respect, collaboration, and professionalism are highly valued. Lead by example in demonstrating these qualities.

The above is a starting point for your newly hired employees but as a Nurse who has onboarded in new roles I would suggest these as well.

Many first weeks at a new nursing job can be quite challenging, with some management issues and a lack of proper introductions. Here’s how you can navigate these challenges and help foster a more positive experience for yourself and your colleagues:

1. Open Communication: Since many Nurses and Nursing assistants often share the good and the bad during your first week, consider having a candid conversation with your immediate supervisor or manager. Express your concerns about the issues you’ve observed. Discuss the importance of clear communication and teamwork in providing quality patient care.
2. Meet the Frontline Staff: While you’ve been introduced to department heads, it’s equally important to get to know the nurses and staff working on the floors. Take the initiative to introduce yourself and build relationships. Being approachable and friendly can encourage better collaboration.
3. Procedures and Expectations: If procedures aren’t being followed as expected, consider providing guidance and education to your colleagues. Share your knowledge and experience to help them understand the importance of following protocols for the well-being of the patients.
4. Supportive Leadership: If you yourself are hired in a leadership position or have leadership experience , you can lead by example in demonstrating a positive and supportive leadership style. Encourage your team to voice their concerns and actively work together to find solutions.
5. Empathetic Approach: If you have experience in long-term care nursing, approach your colleagues with empathy. Understand that everyone may be dealing with their own challenges, and a compassionate approach can go a long way in building trust and cooperation.
6. Problem-Solving: If tasks are being delegated to you because the nursing staff isn’t completing them as expected, try to identify the root causes. Is it a staffing issue, a lack of clarity on expectations, or something else? Work with your team to address these issues and find sustainable solutions.
7. Positive Influence: Be a positive influence on your colleagues, offering your expertise and support to help them excel in their roles.
8. Self-Care: Lastly, remember to take care of yourself. Nursing can be demanding, and it’s essential to maintain your own well-being so that you can provide the best care for others. Your commitment to family time and cherishing family above all else reflects a healthy work-life balance.

By addressing the challenges you’ve encountered with professionalism and empathy, you can contribute to a more positive work environment for yourself and your colleagues. If you have specific questions or situations you’d like to discuss further, please feel free to share. ??????

The information presented is informative and does not constitute direct legal or regulatory advice

September 2024\Skilled Nursing Support\maria.messina@skillednursingsupport.com

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