Employee feedback on improving processes has always been welcome at L+M and Westerly hospitals, yet new “Stop Light” boards in inpatient units and other departments are giving frontline employees a new, direct ‒ and kind of fun ‒ way to speak up.
“The boards are an opportunity for staff to feel comfortable asking for changes,” said Ashly Thatcher, RN, nurse manager on L+M’s Unit 4.1. “In the past, not everyone felt they had the power to ask for these changes, but, with the board, they’ve really come up with some great ideas, including some easy fixes.”
At Westerly Hospital, “I’ve heard staff in the break room saying that they’re looking for new things to put on the board,” said Robert Malecki, RN, clinical coordinator on the Geriatric Psychiatry unit. “Without the board, we still listened to staff, but now we have a process that everyone likes.”
On L+M’s Unit 4.1, a medical waste disposal bin was located in an awkward space behind a door. A message went up on the board and that’s all it took. “I put in a work order with Facilities, and they came the next day and moved it,” Thatcher said.
Similarly, a Unit 4.1 nurse suggested adding a second supply closet at the far end of the unit so caregivers had closer access to basic items for patients; that request has already been implemented.
Rachel White, a CNA on Westerly’s Geriatric Psychiatry unit, said the boards have power. “It puts ideas right out there for people to see, and everyone knows it’s being seen.”
Suggestions on the boards can fall under the green category, an easy fix that will get done; yellow if they’ll require some time; and red if budget, hospital regulations or other matters require the idea to wait.
Chief Nursing Officer Shannon Christian, RN, is an avid proponent of the boards. “We need to hear from our frontline staff because they often know what will work best,” she said. “Beyond that, the boards are a fun way to keep everyone engaged with their unit or department. Improving things together can help boost everyone’s sense of satisfaction, and job satisfaction can help with employee retention.”
Perspectives | November 07, 2024
