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What changes at work would boost nurses’ morale? We asked them

Nursing Standard readers responded on Twitter – and proper breaks, free parking and compassionate managers were among the suggestions

Nursing Standard readers responded on Twitter – and proper breaks, free parking and compassionate managers were among the suggestions

Picture: Barney Newman

Free parking, paid overtime, uninterrupted breaks, and, most importantly, no gimmicks – this is what nurses want to boost their morale at work.

As pressure on the NHS mounts and the dispute over fair pay shows no signs of letting up, Nursing Standard readers were asked what would make them feel more appreciated at work. And it’s no surprise they had plenty to say.

Nurses’ wish list is a long one

Avoiding ‘star of the week’ and other ‘gimmicks’ was high on the suggestions list, alongside being listened to by senior managers.

‘We want nurse leaders that genuinely value their staff’

While many raised bugbears that most staff have, including inadequate break times and having to pay parking charges, others said having compassionate managers who stood up for colleagues would make a difference.

One nurse wanted ‘nurse leaders that genuinely value their staff, recognise and verbalise things done well, change the things they say they will, advocate for their staff and have their backs. Allowing nurses to work part time/job share when required’.

Respecting each other and having protected time for training

Another added: ‘Respecting that each and every nurse is a highly skilled and trained professional. To maintain standards we need funded, protected time for education, training and development. We need to hear and listen to staff’s concerns about patient safety, staffing levels and services.’

One nurse manager outlined what she did to boost morale during tough times, including setting up activities to help with team building, while a community sister pointed out the importance of a culture where ‘leaving on time is the norm’.

One person suggested sharing positive patient feedback to remind staff they are doing a great job, adding: ‘No greater compliment than that from the patient. Makes it all worthwhile.’

Ways to retain nurses

Emergency department senior clinical sister Christina Harrison said ‘stay interviews’ that a group of trusts in her local area had implemented were successful in retaining nurses.

She previously spoke to Nursing Standard about one-to-one career catch-ups that nurses were having with their managers in a bid to resolve reasons they might want to resign.


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