Nurses and other healthcare workers are the backbone of any medical facility. It is vital to keep initiatives in place to ensure they are happy in the workplace. However, the high turnover rate is one problem that the management often needs to improve. How do you keep your nurses from leaving? Here is the ultimate list of nurse engagement ideas for better recruitment and retention.

Strategize and create a structured plan

One crucial step in any institution is to strategize. Brainstorm and think of a structured and detailed plan for recruiting nurses and keeping them happy for better retention. Put your strategies and techniques in writing so you have a better view of the picture. 

Include specific goals, how to reach them, and metrics to measure the success of your plans. Your institution should also have specific targets so you can keep your eyes on the prize.

Engage and solicit feedback

What better way to check the success of your plans than to get feedback from your target audience — your nurses? Constantly gathering feedback serves a dual purpose: You empower your nurses by giving them a voice and a seat at the table, and at the same time, you can see how effective your plans are.

Put feedback boxes where nurses can drop off their comments, suggestions, and ideas. If you’re going online, you can set up a feedback form. Always give them the option to go anonymous since some might prefer giving feedback discreetly.

Offer a self-scheduling option

While having supervisors prepare the shifts and schedules of the nurses on their team creates an organized flow, allowing self-scheduling can be more efficient and productive. Give your nurses the option to plot their schedules. Consider their preferred days off and requested time off. They may have personal appointments that they want to block off time for.

Respect personal time and promote work-life balance

Nurses are humans too. They all have individual personal lives that involve family time, hobbies, and other engagements outside of work. Personal time deserves a spot in our ultimate list of nurse engagement ideas for better recruitment and retention.

Make it a rule that whenever someone has paid time off or non-duty, as much as possible, do not bombard them with anything work-related. Nurses should have enough time to do things after work hours. Having time for oneself contributes to good mental health.

Make the workplace physically pleasing

The hospital or any health facility is already stressful as it deals with patients, watchers, and other colleagues. While these facilities spend quite a fortune making the hospital a good place for patients, they often need to remember the staff rooms. 

Review the existing staff areas in your facility. Your nurses and other healthcare staff need a place to rest, have their meals, and take a break.

Implement initiatives that push for health and wellness

Nurses take care of patients until they are in good and better health. In return, who is taking care of them? The institution is also responsible for caring for the people under their wing. Promote health and witness through initiatives such as sporty activities, gym memberships, and the like.

Sponsor certifications and post-grad studies

Even with a license, professionals need continuing education to grow their careers constantly. Get in touch with your human resources department and see how you can work together to help your nurses grow career-wise. Offer free training, sponsor certifications, and post-graduate studies, and support your nurses in their endeavors.

Host off-site meetings

Your healthcare facility is the most convenient place to hold meetings because everyone is already there. However, consider having off-site meetups. Go to a cute restaurant or hold seminars or training in a nice hotel if you have funds. This gives them a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery.

Organize social events

Facilities often have different departments with various functions. Nurses and healthcare workers from these departments get to talk to each other about work, such as when they endorse patients. Build a bond among your staff through social events and functions. Allow them to meet each other and gain camaraderie.

Implement a reward system

Give credit where credit is due. A little appreciation and acknowledgment go a long way. Whenever your nurse does something good at work, acknowledge and give praise as deserved. Aside from words of affirmation, have your reward system. 

Rewards may be in the form of cash incentives, freebies, items, or vouchers such as movie passes and restaurant gift certificates. Paid time off can also be a reward for a job well done.

Build a bridge between the management and staff

More often than not, there is a gap between the top executives of the healthcare facility and its staff. As much as possible, close the gap so that your workers do not feel alienated and detached from the management. After all, everyone works for the same institution and shares the same goals. 

Make your management accessible and remind your staff that feedback is always accepted.

Make your recruitment and retention activities engaging

Healthcare institutions need not spend millions to keep their staff. The essential element is engagement. Always engage your nurses and healthcare workers. Listen to what they have to say and do something about it. At the same time, they hold fun activities and initiatives to make their work life less boring.