Making FETCH Happen: Increasing Meaningful Recognition by “Fostering An Environment That Creates Harmony”

Project Topic:

Increase nurse retention and staff morale through meaningful recognition

Hospital, City and State:

Los Angeles General Medical Center, Los Angeles, California

Unit:

6A - Medical Surgical

CSI Participants:

• Brenda Barrera, BSN, RN
• Mary Beivides, BSN, RN
• Vanessa Cruz Garcia, BSN, RN
• Nicole Martinez, BSN, RN

Project Goals/Objectives:

1. Improve RN staff morale as evidenced by increased aggregate Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool (HWEAT) scores above 4.5 over length of project
2. Increase RN Meaningful Recognition score on AACN’s HWEAT Score to above 4 over length of project
3. Decrease RN turnover
4. Create and maintain a culture of helpfulness and gratitude by having 75% staff participation over the length of the project

Project Outcomes:

1. Increased staff morale as evidenced HWEAT Aggregate Score from 3.78 to 4.49 over length of project
2. Improved RN Meaningful Recognition score on AACN’s HWEAT Score to 4.37 over length of project
3. All HWEAT standards improved
4. Decreased RN turnover from 3 to 2
5. These outcomes resulted in a positive estimated annual fiscal impact of $89,743

Project Overview:

6A retention rates have been slowly decreasing. Staff report low morale. There are a number of new hires and new nursing graduates that need to be oriented and retained on our unit. In order to increase retention rates, and improve staff morale, the CSI team implemented a project designed to increase meaningful recognition. The team implemented a gratitude card system to encourage staff to nominate and shout out fellow staff members who were helpful, considerate or made an impression in the day-to-day activity of the unit.

As a result of our project the CSI team noted increased teamwork and strengthening of relationship of unit staff. Our HWEAT meaningful recognition score increased from 3.56 to 4.37. Our HWEAT aggregate score increased from 3.78 to 4.49.