Working collegially with nurses from different generations offers the opportunity to explore new and different ways of thinking. Yet, all too frequently intergenerational interactions degenerate into conflicts due to a lack of appreciation, understanding, or just misinterpretation of other perspectives. Nurses who learn to acknowledge and appreciate their colleagues from different backgrounds have a distinct advantage as successful teamwork is increasingly required both for job satisfaction and the ability to positively impact patient outcomes. Teams are most successful when their members are not only individually competent but also cohesively united and energized.
While learning can occur between nurses of all age groups, particular attention should be paid to engaging the perspective of younger nurses. In the interaction of people from different generations in the workplace, members of the younger generation are always at a distinct disadvantage. Not only is the existing organizational structure based upon successful strategies used in the past rather than designed for the future, but also older nurses are positioned to establish both the formal and informal rules. Because of their longevity in the organization, the older generations often dominate in managerial and leadership positions of power. As a result, older nurses typically are more influential when changes are made to modify the existing structure and processes. Naturally, these nurses update processes and rewards in a way that makes sense from their generational perspective, not recognizing that they are basing their decisions on historical assumptions that may not be held by younger nurses. Incorporating the perspective of younger generations forces an examination of generational assumptions and demands conscious identification of practices that make sense for all nurses.
http://nursingworld.org/ojin/topic30/tpc30_1.htm
AUTHOR
Marla J. Weston, MS, RN
E-mail: marlaweston@cox.net
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Very interesting article. Everyone brings something important to the table. Nursing needs new blood. The challenge will be to incorporate old principles with innovative theories thus recognizing the team approach.
I enjoyed reading the nursing articles as I have an interest in understanding generational differences and job satisfaction in the work place as well. I have been searching for what makes an "extraordinary workplace" if there is such a thing. There are so many dimentions to this topic which I hope to explore beyond this course. Keep up the great work.
Mary Anne
It is very inportant that nurses take the time to nuture their young. The profession needs the blending of older and younger generation to survive. Thank you for sharing!
Post a Comment