Nursing Assistants work very hard to offer a contribution to
the medical field. They work hard to help patients meet their basic needs. They
also offer comfort and support. They work one on one with patients, getting to
know them better than the other medical staff. They use this knowledge to make
things easier for the patient as well as to help the other staff do what is
best for the patient. In addition, they work with Nursing staff, often
assisting with anything that comes up at a moments notice.
While most Nursing Assistants are happy in their role, they
often do feel like they are taken for granted. The do so much behind the scenes
that often the patients and the employer don’t realize all that they contribute
to the overall goals of the medical facility and the medical profession as a
whole. There are several things patients, staff, and employers can do to
recognize the efforts of Nursing Assistants.
Pixabay Gallery
Many patients and their family choose to send a simply thank
you note or letter to the Nursing Assistant. Often, this heartfelt thank you is
more than sufficient. It can often help a Nursing Assistant stay motivated,
knowing what they do really does make a difference for many people. A simple
gift of candy, flowers, or a gift card can also be a great token of
appreciation for someone who offered so much during your time of need.
Many Nursing Assistants do not feel appreciated by other
medical staff, especially the Nursing staff they work directly under. Too often
Nursing staff only point of what a Nursing Assistant didn’t do. This needs to
be addressed, and verbal appreciation needs to be expressed towards the efforts
of Nursing Assistants. Another great way to show appreciation is to ask Nursing
Assistants for their input regarding patient care and include them in
discussions about how to handle particular patient issues. This will definitely
make them feel appreciated and valued.
Employers need to work hard to make Nursing Assistants feel
appreciated as well. With them being is such high demand, they need to work
hard to keep those quality workers they already have. In addition, their
attitude towards the issue will often set the tone for other medical staff.
Employers can extend appreciation to individual Nursing
Assistants or the profession as a whole in employment newsletters. These are
often well read materials that pertain to the medical facility and can be
distributed monthly or every pay day along with your check. If your facility
participates in Medical Appreciate Week, then it is imperative that the Nursing
Assistants feel honored during that time as well. Some employers offer raises
to Nursing Assistants based on their performance as a bonus to recognize their
efforts.
It is important to understand that Nursing Assistants don’t
enter the profession looking for recognition. They sincerely want to help
others the best way they can. However, being over worked and under appreciated
it a mix that leads to stress, burnout, and often leaving the profession.
Medical facilities need to take the opportunity to inform other staff of all
the duties Nursing Assistants perform. Other staff and the facility need to
work hard to make them feel as important as any other staff member. Too often,
the mentality is that they are entry level workers with less education. This
misconception will lead to a continued shortage of Nursing Assistants to help
patients and other staff. That being said, it is definitely to the advantage of
the staff and facility to make sure Nursing Assistants feel welcome,
appreciated, and an intricate part of the team.
Ways to Show Appreciation to Nursing Assistants - Innakaghaitsa.com