- Email: [email protected]
Recognizing Professional and Volunteer Activities
MAY 2004, VOL 79,
NO 5
Hahn
- Butz -Gavin -Mills - Welter
Recognizing Professional and Volunteer Activities
Jean J. Hahn, RN;K. Penelope coaching, to their employees.' Butz, RN; Jeanette G. Gavin, RN; Organizations can maintain high Regina S. Mills, RN; Clara J. Welter, RN levels of enthusiasm among employees or volunteers by offering tasks that nyone who works or volunteers provide value and satisfaction. Many for an organization understands organizations believe money is the the importance of recognition chief motivator that encourages for a job well done. Although most peo- employees to excel on the job, but ple contribute to or participate in pro- most individuals would rather be recfessional activities for more reasons ognized for the work they perform.' than just recognition, many appreciate People want to be valued for what acknowledgement of their efforts they bring to an organization. When through formal or informal rituals or individuals are recognized for their symbols. This article addresses motiva- performance, they have an increased tors for exceptional performance, how sense of self-worth because they are organizations can reward employeesor contributing to the organization.' (p3z4) volunteers for their efforts, and how Volunteering can provide opportuniAORN recognizes its members for ties. By volunteering, individuals can achieving excellence in their profes- learn new skills and help people at the sional endeavors. same time. Individuals have many reasons for volunteering, including to demonstrate c o d t m e n t toa cause MOTNATO I N-THE KEY TO ACHIEVEMENT or belief, Motivation means inspiring indiexercise and gain leadership skills viduals to go above and beyond just performing a job or task well. Being that can be applied to the workplace, creative and having the ability to renlearn a new skill or set of skills, der constructive feedback is vital to explore new career opportunities, motivating others. Leaders can pronetwork and make professional contacts, vide encouragement, challenges, and improve their resume, positive reinforcement, as well as fulfillreligious duties or obligations, feel more a part of the community, ABSTRACT and gain status in the community or 0 RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT is key for organization.l (pus, organizations seeking to retain both employees If they receive recognition for their and volunteers. efforts, employees andvolunteers will strive to perform more positive activi0 ORGANIZATIONS CAN MAINTAIN high ties and achieve better performance. levels of enthusiasm among employees or volunWhen employers and professional teers by offering tasks that provide value as well organizations remember to recognize as satisfaction. and show their appreciation for their 0 AORN SEEKS TO ENSURE that its members employees or volunteers, energized receive the recognition that they deserve. AORNJ and vital workers contribute more to 79 (May 2004) 1006-1010. the organization?
A
1006
AORN JOURNAL
Hahn - Butz - Gavin - Mills - Welter
MAY 2004, VOL 79, NO 5
AWARDS
Submitting Nominations for Awards FORMSOF RECOGNTIO IN Being appreciated is important to everyone. Different forms of recognition are used to show appreciation and stimulate enthusiasm in the workplace. Recognition can be as simple as a thank you or as grand as a national award. People who are recognized have higher self-esteem, more confidence, and are willing to take on new challenges and contribute new ideas. Some examples of simple and inexpensive forms of recognition include 0 an "applause" form written by a peer to thank someone for his or her help that entitles the recipient to a snack from the coffee shop, 0 a day off with pay and parking for a month for the employee of the month, 0 a simple thank-you note from the leader that makes the important point that the individual is appreciated and recognized, 0 articles in local newspapers or flyers in the workplace that inform other employees about the individual's achievements, 0 notification to the individual's college and professional societies about his or her award or significant accomplishment, and 0 complimentary letters publicly displayed on bulletin boards or in the lobby. Recognition and appreciation can be given in many ways. It is not the method that matters but that recognition occurs so an individual feels appreciated.
ach year, the AORN Awards Committee reviews dozens of award nominations. The selection process i s a difficult one, and the number of deserving candidates makes each category highly competitive. Individuals who submit nominations can improve their applications by remembering the following guidelines and pointers. There are two main errors committee members repeatedly encounter when reviewing applications. The first i s that applications are not complete. It is frustrating t o have t o reject a potential candidate because the application was not submitted with a l l sections completed. Remember t o use the checklist on the application t o ensure that a l l required documents are submitted. The second problem is that the application does not address criteria specific t o the award category. The committee has had some very strong candidates whose applications would have been more appropriate i n a different award category. When completing the application, use specific examples related t o that award category. It i s difficult for one application to be applicable for more that one award because the application needs t o address the criteria stated for that award. Applications may be submitted as hard copy, by email, or electronically through an online application system on AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/about /cn't.htm. Make sure applications are received by the deadline. AORN has many outstanding members, and the Awards Committee wants t o recognize as many of them as possible.
E
relationships with peers and professionals in other medical disciplines; and provide knowledge, comfort, security, and safety to patients whose care has been entrusted to them. Many also know nurse educators whose students excel in their profession because of the nurse educator's teaching. These nurses are change agents and IDENT AWARD IMRECI NPG IENTS risk takers, and that is what sets them What makes a nurse outstanding in apart from others. They risk failure, critperioperative practice? Everyone proba- icism, and disloyalty to make a differbly works with nurses who show exem- ence. They understand the challenges plary practice, and many are fortunate perioperative nurses face, and they to work with nurses who are outstand- develop strategies to meet those chaling in their area of expertise; ensure the lenges. These nurses have the ability to safety of their patients; improve the guide a diverse group of people to work quality of patient care through their together to achieve a common goal. AORN JOURNAL
1009
MAY 2004, VOL 79, NO 5
Hahn -Butz -Gavin - Mills
- Welter
They encourage others to step out of 0 Perioperative Clinical Nursing Practheir comfort zone, help them succeed, tice, and ass- them that they are valuable 0 Perioperative Clinical Nursing Eduteam members. cation, The greatest reward in nursing is to 0 Perioperative Nursing Patient Eduknow patients receive the safest and cation, best care available. One of the greatest 0 Perioperative Nursing Research, rewards nurses caring for patients can 0 Perioperative Nursing Management, receive is to be recognized by peers for and excellence in their practice. 0 Mentorship. AORN President Bill Duffy, RN, Individuals may nominate themBSN, MJ, CNOR, received the selves or be nominated by colleagues. Outstanding Achievement in Peri- The deadline each year is October 1. operative Nursing Management award Applications may be obtained by conin 1998. He offers thisadvice to upcom- tacting Lorrie Briggs at [email protected] ing leaders. or Ann Marie Karcher at akarch&aom .org. Recipients are selected by the You have to have a vision for where AOFW Awards Committee. 9 you want to go and where you want your unit or profession to go. I f you Jean J. Hahn, RN, CNOR, is a member just want to do a job, then that is of the AORN Awards Committee. what it will be, but if you want to make a diflerence, then decide what K.Penelope Butz, RN, BSPA, CNOR, that is and then go and live that is a member of the AORN Awards dream and make it so. Committee. Each year, AORN celebrates the success of nurses who had a dream and made it happen. These nurses stand out in their field. They have the vision to move nursing forward, and they have made changes that increased the quality of care patients receive. AORN wants to help members recognize nurses who have made a difference and are outstanding by rewarding them for excellence in their area of expertise. To recognize excellence in the perioperative nursing profession, AORN conducts an annual awards program. Awards are given in conjunction with Congress each year in the following categories: 0 Excellence in Perioperative Nursing,
1010
AORNJOURNAL
Jeanette G . Gavin, RN, BSN, is a member of the AORN Awards Committee. Regina S. Mills, RN, BSN, CNOR, is a member of the AORN Awards Committee. Clara J. Welter, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, is a member of the AORN Awards Committee.
NOTES 1.B Adams, The Everything Leadership Book: The 20 Core Concepts Every Leader Must Know (Holbrook, Mass: Adams Media Corp, 2001). 2. A Hiam, "Employeerecognition: W h y it matters," Entrepreneur.Com, h t t p : / , m .entrenreneur.com/article/0,4621,301003,00 .htmZ'(accessed16 March 2004).
NO 5
Hahn
- Butz -Gavin -Mills - Welter
Recognizing Professional and Volunteer Activities
Jean J. Hahn, RN;K. Penelope coaching, to their employees.' Butz, RN; Jeanette G. Gavin, RN; Organizations can maintain high Regina S. Mills, RN; Clara J. Welter, RN levels of enthusiasm among employees or volunteers by offering tasks that nyone who works or volunteers provide value and satisfaction. Many for an organization understands organizations believe money is the the importance of recognition chief motivator that encourages for a job well done. Although most peo- employees to excel on the job, but ple contribute to or participate in pro- most individuals would rather be recfessional activities for more reasons ognized for the work they perform.' than just recognition, many appreciate People want to be valued for what acknowledgement of their efforts they bring to an organization. When through formal or informal rituals or individuals are recognized for their symbols. This article addresses motiva- performance, they have an increased tors for exceptional performance, how sense of self-worth because they are organizations can reward employeesor contributing to the organization.' (p3z4) volunteers for their efforts, and how Volunteering can provide opportuniAORN recognizes its members for ties. By volunteering, individuals can achieving excellence in their profes- learn new skills and help people at the sional endeavors. same time. Individuals have many reasons for volunteering, including to demonstrate c o d t m e n t toa cause MOTNATO I N-THE KEY TO ACHIEVEMENT or belief, Motivation means inspiring indiexercise and gain leadership skills viduals to go above and beyond just performing a job or task well. Being that can be applied to the workplace, creative and having the ability to renlearn a new skill or set of skills, der constructive feedback is vital to explore new career opportunities, motivating others. Leaders can pronetwork and make professional contacts, vide encouragement, challenges, and improve their resume, positive reinforcement, as well as fulfillreligious duties or obligations, feel more a part of the community, ABSTRACT and gain status in the community or 0 RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT is key for organization.l (pus, organizations seeking to retain both employees If they receive recognition for their and volunteers. efforts, employees andvolunteers will strive to perform more positive activi0 ORGANIZATIONS CAN MAINTAIN high ties and achieve better performance. levels of enthusiasm among employees or volunWhen employers and professional teers by offering tasks that provide value as well organizations remember to recognize as satisfaction. and show their appreciation for their 0 AORN SEEKS TO ENSURE that its members employees or volunteers, energized receive the recognition that they deserve. AORNJ and vital workers contribute more to 79 (May 2004) 1006-1010. the organization?
A
1006
AORN JOURNAL
Hahn - Butz - Gavin - Mills - Welter
MAY 2004, VOL 79, NO 5
AWARDS
Submitting Nominations for Awards FORMSOF RECOGNTIO IN Being appreciated is important to everyone. Different forms of recognition are used to show appreciation and stimulate enthusiasm in the workplace. Recognition can be as simple as a thank you or as grand as a national award. People who are recognized have higher self-esteem, more confidence, and are willing to take on new challenges and contribute new ideas. Some examples of simple and inexpensive forms of recognition include 0 an "applause" form written by a peer to thank someone for his or her help that entitles the recipient to a snack from the coffee shop, 0 a day off with pay and parking for a month for the employee of the month, 0 a simple thank-you note from the leader that makes the important point that the individual is appreciated and recognized, 0 articles in local newspapers or flyers in the workplace that inform other employees about the individual's achievements, 0 notification to the individual's college and professional societies about his or her award or significant accomplishment, and 0 complimentary letters publicly displayed on bulletin boards or in the lobby. Recognition and appreciation can be given in many ways. It is not the method that matters but that recognition occurs so an individual feels appreciated.
ach year, the AORN Awards Committee reviews dozens of award nominations. The selection process i s a difficult one, and the number of deserving candidates makes each category highly competitive. Individuals who submit nominations can improve their applications by remembering the following guidelines and pointers. There are two main errors committee members repeatedly encounter when reviewing applications. The first i s that applications are not complete. It is frustrating t o have t o reject a potential candidate because the application was not submitted with a l l sections completed. Remember t o use the checklist on the application t o ensure that a l l required documents are submitted. The second problem is that the application does not address criteria specific t o the award category. The committee has had some very strong candidates whose applications would have been more appropriate i n a different award category. When completing the application, use specific examples related t o that award category. It i s difficult for one application to be applicable for more that one award because the application needs t o address the criteria stated for that award. Applications may be submitted as hard copy, by email, or electronically through an online application system on AORN Online at http://www.aorn.org/about /cn't.htm. Make sure applications are received by the deadline. AORN has many outstanding members, and the Awards Committee wants t o recognize as many of them as possible.
E
relationships with peers and professionals in other medical disciplines; and provide knowledge, comfort, security, and safety to patients whose care has been entrusted to them. Many also know nurse educators whose students excel in their profession because of the nurse educator's teaching. These nurses are change agents and IDENT AWARD IMRECI NPG IENTS risk takers, and that is what sets them What makes a nurse outstanding in apart from others. They risk failure, critperioperative practice? Everyone proba- icism, and disloyalty to make a differbly works with nurses who show exem- ence. They understand the challenges plary practice, and many are fortunate perioperative nurses face, and they to work with nurses who are outstand- develop strategies to meet those chaling in their area of expertise; ensure the lenges. These nurses have the ability to safety of their patients; improve the guide a diverse group of people to work quality of patient care through their together to achieve a common goal. AORN JOURNAL
1009
MAY 2004, VOL 79, NO 5
Hahn -Butz -Gavin - Mills
- Welter
They encourage others to step out of 0 Perioperative Clinical Nursing Practheir comfort zone, help them succeed, tice, and ass- them that they are valuable 0 Perioperative Clinical Nursing Eduteam members. cation, The greatest reward in nursing is to 0 Perioperative Nursing Patient Eduknow patients receive the safest and cation, best care available. One of the greatest 0 Perioperative Nursing Research, rewards nurses caring for patients can 0 Perioperative Nursing Management, receive is to be recognized by peers for and excellence in their practice. 0 Mentorship. AORN President Bill Duffy, RN, Individuals may nominate themBSN, MJ, CNOR, received the selves or be nominated by colleagues. Outstanding Achievement in Peri- The deadline each year is October 1. operative Nursing Management award Applications may be obtained by conin 1998. He offers thisadvice to upcom- tacting Lorrie Briggs at [email protected] ing leaders. or Ann Marie Karcher at akarch&aom .org. Recipients are selected by the You have to have a vision for where AOFW Awards Committee. 9 you want to go and where you want your unit or profession to go. I f you Jean J. Hahn, RN, CNOR, is a member just want to do a job, then that is of the AORN Awards Committee. what it will be, but if you want to make a diflerence, then decide what K.Penelope Butz, RN, BSPA, CNOR, that is and then go and live that is a member of the AORN Awards dream and make it so. Committee. Each year, AORN celebrates the success of nurses who had a dream and made it happen. These nurses stand out in their field. They have the vision to move nursing forward, and they have made changes that increased the quality of care patients receive. AORN wants to help members recognize nurses who have made a difference and are outstanding by rewarding them for excellence in their area of expertise. To recognize excellence in the perioperative nursing profession, AORN conducts an annual awards program. Awards are given in conjunction with Congress each year in the following categories: 0 Excellence in Perioperative Nursing,
1010
AORNJOURNAL
Jeanette G . Gavin, RN, BSN, is a member of the AORN Awards Committee. Regina S. Mills, RN, BSN, CNOR, is a member of the AORN Awards Committee. Clara J. Welter, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, is a member of the AORN Awards Committee.
NOTES 1.B Adams, The Everything Leadership Book: The 20 Core Concepts Every Leader Must Know (Holbrook, Mass: Adams Media Corp, 2001). 2. A Hiam, "Employeerecognition: W h y it matters," Entrepreneur.Com, h t t p : / , m .entrenreneur.com/article/0,4621,301003,00 .htmZ'(accessed16 March 2004).