It’s interesting in the world of patient care. The best stories are always organic, unscripted and never part of some master plan. They are the works of selfless team members who just get it.
A little girl’s favorite stuffed animal is accidentally scooped up with the soiled linen when she is discharged. Without thinking a nurse and two others suit up in gloves and fluid resistant gowns, rummaging through the soiled linen room until it is found. A parking valet sees a woman struggling to get her elderly mother into the hospital and immediately grabs a wheelchair to assist.
In the cafeteria, an administrator buys the guy behind him in line a coffee because he can tell he’s had a long night waiting with his wife in the ER. Caregivers care. We get that.
But there is a special group out there who look for little ways to go above and beyond. These are the true all-stars of the team. Are these people born or made?
In my years of experience and in speaking to many of them, they are most definitely made. At some point they worked somewhere or for someone who inspired and encouraged them to go the extra mile. It shaped their approach. Made them who they are as a medical professional.
Question is, what do you do to encourage your employees to find little ways to show they truly care? How many “Ripple Stories” are being shared on a daily and weekly basis in your organization?
Patients and their families are not overly impressed by marketing campaigns or the routine and scripted pleasantries. They are always blown away by simple, sincere acts of kindness, most of which go unheralded.
Never miss out on an opportunity to celebrate your team sincerely putting the care into patient care.
