You ever get the call from the administrator saying, "We need to meet?"
Suddenly, your stomach drops, unsure of what the conversation is about.
You play those words in your mind all day, so much that it affects your work.
Your anxiety is at an all-time high.
You just want to get it over with. Later, you have the conversation and learn that you have areas where you can improve.
It’s how we grow, right? Without giving or receiving feedback, we might think we are doing a good job when, in fact, we aren’t.
For this reason, I want to encourage a proactive approach to evaluations.
Evaluations are a must! As a leader, you MUST ensure that not only are you having them done by your administrator, but that your nursing team—floor staff, unit managers, and all—are also up to date with theirs.
This creates a culture of accountability and growth within your team.
When I would get my evaluations done, I always made a copy and added it to my reference folder.
I have them from years ago, along with letters I’ve received from residents and their families.
Sometimes, when you feel like you just can’t get it right, or that you aren’t doing anything right, I can go back and read those letters.
They remind me that I have impacted someone's life. I can also see how much I have grown throughout the years.
Here are a few more key points to consider when fostering a culture of feedback:
Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where nursing staff feel safe sharing their thoughts and feedback. This starts with leading by example—be open to feedback yourself and demonstrate how to give constructive feedback.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your nursing team to discuss their performance and any concerns they may have. This establishes a routine of feedback that feels less daunting than formal evaluations.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate improvements and achievements within your nursing team, no matter how small. This reinforces the positive aspects of feedback and encourages a growth mindset.
Provide Resources for Improvement: When you identify areas for growth during evaluations, offer resources or training to help your team improve. This shows that you are invested in their development.
Solicit Feedback on Your Leadership: Don’t shy away from asking your nursing team for feedback on your leadership style. This not only helps you grow but also shows your team that their opinions matter.
Creating a culture of feedback is not just about evaluations; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported in their growth journey.
Remember, feedback is a gift that can lead to incredible transformation if we embrace it with an open heart and mind.
So, let’s commit to making feedback a regular part of our lives—both giving and receiving.
It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to elevate ourselves and our teams.
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