Feeling welcome

FigureInspiration for my editorials comes from many situations and experiences. This one was motivated by a little black cat named Bella who spent nearly all 1.5 years of her young life waiting for adoption in an animal shelter. After “meeting” Bella and hearing her story, my husband and I adopted her and welcomed her into our home. Though Bella discovered a wonderful new world of being a cherished indoor cat in her forever home, she also learned she must share space with older, established feline residents who rule the roost and view her with thinly veiled disdain. Little Bella's joy in leaving her cage behind was somewhat mitigated by being ignored or rebuked when she curiously approached her new feline family. As the feline dynamics unfolded, it occurred to me that l have witnessed a seemingly similar type of unwelcoming behavior on certain nursing units between established staff and new staff members. Newly licensed nurses experienced this type of unwelcome behavior, but so did others such as agency nurses, seasoned nurses new to a unit, and nurses pulled to help in areas outside their home unit. It seemed ironic that some nurses needing the most help were the least welcoming to those trying to provide it. In my humble opinion, the logical approach is to welcome people there to ease the burden and express appreciation for their efforts. Heavy workloads from staffing shortages or vacancies are not likely to improve until new staff are fully onboarded and feel like welcome members of the team. After all, why would anyone want to stay in a place where they feel unwelcome? Though nursing leaders play a key role in establishing a welcoming work environment, the new person's co-workers can make or break it with the behaviors they choose to demonstrate. There are many simple strategies to help a new coworker feel welcome. As examples, organize a time to meet and greet the new staff member on the unit. Assure that the person is not left to eat alone and is invited to dine with co-workers. Write a welcoming note on the breakroom communication board. Include the individual in scheduled after-work outings or parties. Check in with them regularly to see how they are doing. It is important to remember that we all go through the challenging phase of being new many times in our professional lives. For all of those who made the effort to welcome and include us, let us pay it forward. P.S. Bella is doing just fine and the other cats appear to accept she is with us to stay. Until next time, LINDA LASKOWSKI-JONES, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, FAWM, FAAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NURSING2024