Congratulations on your promotion to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)! While inheriting a situation with employee unrest and distrust presents challenges, it’s also an opportunity to create significant positive change. Here are two key actions you can take to demonstrate your commitment to bettering relationships between administration and staff:

Action 1: Implement Open Communication Channels and Active Listening

• Rationale: A 2021 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 73% of employees say open communication is essential for a positive work environment. Distrust often stems from a lack of transparency and feeling unheard.

Implementation:

• Regular Town Halls: Host regular in-person or virtual town halls where you address employee concerns and provide updates on hospital initiatives. Encourage open dialogue and answer questions honestly.
• Employee Surveys and Feedback Sessions: Conduct anonymous employee surveys to gauge morale and identify specific areas of concern. Following the survey, hold targeted feedback sessions with smaller groups of nurses to delve deeper into specific issues.
• Open Door Policy: Make yourself readily available for individual meetings with staff. Encourage nurses to feel comfortable coming to you with concerns without fear of retribution.

Action 2: Empower Nurses Through Shared Decision-Making and Recognition

• Rationale: A study published in the Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA) in 2018 found that nurses who experience autonomy and control over their work environment report higher job satisfaction and reduced burnout.

Implementation:

• Shared Governance: Establish a shared governance structure where nurses have a voice in shaping hospital policies and procedures. This allows staff to contribute their expertise and feel invested in the success of the organization.
• Recognition and Reward Programs: Implement programs that recognize and reward excellence in nursing care. This could include public recognition, professional development opportunities, or bonus structures tied to specific goals.

By actively listening to your staff and empowering them through shared decision-making and recognition, you demonstrate a commitment to building trust and fostering a more collaborative and supportive work environment. This will ultimately lead to improved employee morale, reduced turnover, and ultimately, higher quality care for your patients.

Additional Considerations:

• Address Root Causes: While implementing communication channels and empowering nurses are crucial, it’s equally important to address the root causes of the initial unrest. Analyze trends within the surveys and feedback sessions to understand specific issues like workload, staffing shortages, or compensation concerns.
• Transparency in Change Management: If changes are necessary to improve the healthcare organization, be transparent about the rationale behind those changes. Involve staff in the implementation process as much as possible, and provide opportunities for feedback throughout the process.

Building a culture of trust and connection takes time and consistent effort. By implementing these actions and demonstrating genuine commitment to your staff, you can begin the healing and recovery process, and create a more positive and productive work environment for all.