LOVELACE HEALTH SYSTEMS
Discovering the Passion for Nursing
Interview Guide
Thank you for participating in this interview. I am an interviewer for the "Discovering the Passion of Nursing" project. During 2001, we will be inquiring and learning more about why nurses choose to stay at Lovelace and how to amplify the positive aspects of work life here. Nurses will be interviewed directly to collect the "best case" stories on which to build the future. The point is to move forward in achieving the vision "to be the best place to get care and the best place to give care" at Lovelace. Your input will be an important contribution to generate meaningful ideas and actions.
Many times in interviews, we ask questions about how things don't work well. This time, we are going to approach things from a different angle. We are going to find out about your experiences of success here at Lovelace so we can build on those experiences.
This summer, we will interview as many nurses who work in the hospital as possible. When the interviews are complete, everyone's input will be synthesized to identify qualities of nursing practice at Lovelace that make us unique. With those qualities as a foundation, we will create specific future steps to build on our strengths.
The conversation will take an hour or so. I'm going to take notes as we talk. During our interview, we will be exploring your experiences in several areas:
- The Privilege of Nursing
- Humor: The Other Vital Sign
- Appreciation
- The Exceptional Team
Topic One: The Privilege of Nursing
Our profession is based on caring. Nurses blend scientific knowledge with intuition, compassion, and understanding. For the professional nurse, the privilege to participate in the healing relationship is what creates and maintains the passion for nursing. We would like to acknowledge that passion and explore with you how to acknowledge and develop this in all of those who work at LHS.
- What were your hopes & aspirations when you chose nursing as a profession?
- What is it about nursing today that keeps you involved?
- The privilege of caring for others has sparked in many of us the passion of nursing. Describe a situation in which you felt this passion.
Topic Two: Humor-The other Vital Sign
Humor is an important sign of life- critical to our survival. It enables us to cope with absurdities, sad situations and the insecurities of our lives. Humor is vital to our ability to handle the stresses of the work environment.
- Describe a work experience in which humor eased a painful, stressful or tense situation, or enhanced a positive one.
Topic Three: Appreciation
All of us yearn for fulfillment through meaningful work. The most gratifying appreciation is that which is expressed from the heart by active communication, a kind gesture or written words.
- Describe a time in which you felt extremely appreciated.
2. What is the most meaningful way your contribution is recognized & appreciated?
Topic Four: The Exceptional Team
An exceptional team is built on individual expertise and excellent collaboration. Cooperative teamwork, clear communication, and wisdom are essential elements in delivering superior patient care.
- Describe a time in which you participated as a team member where your expertise truly made a difference to the team.
- Imagine you are working with an exceptional team. Describe it?
What did you value about this team?
Imagine you are representing Lovelace in accepting a national award for "Excellence in Nursing Practice" in 2003.
- Describe what you admire about nursing practice at Lovelace.
What makes nursing practice at Lovelace unique?
In closing I would like to ask you four questions about this interview.
- Please describe your most positive work experience at LHS.
- What three wishes do you have to make Lovelace the best place to give care & the best place to receive care?
- What was the highlight of this interview?
- Would you like to participate in the process of conducting this interview?
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