Item / Example / Action
1. What do I need to follow up on from last meeting? / Questions related to new pay structure were raised, and you needed time to gather accurate data. / Invite HR to meeting to answer these directly.
2. Two or three days prior to the meeting, query staff from each shift about what current obstacles they face that interfere with delivery of quality care. / Top three challenges were:
· Lack of quality time to spend with patients.
· Too many sick calls—short staffed.
· Constantly spending time trying to find extra-large BP cuffs. / · Guide staff in discussion on delegating and prioritizing, using actual examples from staff.
· Review sick call policy and enforcement efforts.
· Have staff problem-solve most efficient place to store them and (if available in budget) order additional supply. Be sure to follow up on this when location is determined and order has arrived.
3. Identify an ongoing complaint that involves another department. Be specific. / Radiology staff are not replacing call light and side rails when they return patients to their ED exam room. / Have staff role-play these scenarios and coach them through appropriate scripting to respond with when this occurs. Ask them to email you with patient account # if problem continues, and you will meet with their manager. Place in the follow-up section for next meeting.
4. Is there a new regulatory requirement or practice standard? / N/A / If there were, you could distribute a copy of the actual statute, rule, etc.
5. Is there a new product/device that can be demonstrated? / New “vein finder” for IV starts. / Select a staff nurse to demonstrate use.
6. Staff committee reports/notes / Scheduling committee to discuss new vacation policy. / Ensure that a committee member is prepared for discussion.
7. Is there a way to interject some appropriate humor/fun? / Begin the meeting with a fun video related to working as a team or meetings, etc. / Search internet for source—connect with other managers for suggestions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE6mDCdYuwY
8. Is there an interactive opportunity? / Problem-solve and encourage collaboration. / Divide group into problem-solving teams of 2–4 people and give them 10 minutes to identify what they see the problem to be and identify two options for resolution.
9. Can you interject an element of surprise? / What would surprise your staff? Having the CEO or CFO at the meeting? You showing up in a costume that drives home a point? / Invite a patient/family that had a positive experience to come and talk with staff about the specifics that made the experience so.
Invite a representative from your state board of nursing or another authority such as your state nurses association or state representative to talk about the impact of the Affordable Care Act.
Excerpted from Essential Skills for Nurse Managers