Team,
Most of you probably remember learning about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs at some point in your education. (If it’s been a minute and you need a refresher, just click the link above.) The general concept is that your physiological needs, such as food, shelter and safety (job security) must be satisfied before you can pursue higher-level needs such as love and belonging needs (friendship), esteem, and self-actualization.
In recent conversations I’ve had with other nursing leaders from around the country, we keep coming back to the importance of the basics – that first level of Maslow’s hierarchy. One of the biggest concerns in nursing across the country is how to help our staff feel safe and supported in their work.
Statistics from the Advisory Board based on a 2024 survey of RNs across the country paint a pretty bleak picture. Sixty-three percent of RNs felt unsupported by their employer. Eighty-two percent of RNs reported experiencing workplace violence, and 78% of RNs reported that household finances met basic needs with little left over. As a result, 35% of RNs said they were extremely likely to change jobs. Fortunately, our employee engagement survey data shows that the situation is significantly better for UAMS nurses. But, there’s still room for improvement.
As I reflected on this data from the Advisory Board, I thought more about the importance of feeling valued – in both our personal and professional relationships. As leaders, we need to understand how to make everyone on our team feel valued. Recognizing that everyone has different priorities and needs, this can vary widely. For example, some employees would rather have extra pay than a day off, and, for others, time to be with family is more valuable than money.
Understanding what makes those on your team feel valued is key to job satisfaction. I personally feel valued in my professional life when I feel like my voice matters, I feel respected, and I have the resources I need to successfully do my job. This doesn’t mean I always get what I want or that I have an unlimited budget, but it does mean that I am involved in decision-making and understand why other needs have a higher priority. In addition to having a voice, I also enjoy simple acknowledgements of a job well done from my boss, but like many of you, I am uncomfortable with fanfare.
When employees feel valued, morale is higher, productivity increases, and they have a better sense of well-being. The benefits are so great that it’s important to really understand what employees value and what makes them feel valued. Both of these can change over time and in different circumstances.
We’re all at different points in our careers and family lives and have different priorities, so I don’t want to guess or assume I know what you value most or what makes you feel most valued. To help me better understand how I can help you feel valued, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on what our nursing leadership team can do to help you feel more valued as a UAMS nurse. Click here to take a short survey.
Recognition and fun are two things people often say help them feel valued (higher up the hierarchy after food, shelter, and safety). With that in mind, and acknowledging that this isn’t valued by everyone, I want to remind you that the Razorback mascots and spirit squads will be in the hospital lobby from 9:30 to 10:30 tomorrow morning (Saturday, Sept. 6) for photos with employees, patients, and families. This is just one small gesture of appreciation arranged by interim Chancellor Lowry Barnes and University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson to support the University System’s health care employees and patients who may not be able to attend the game at War Memorial that afternoon. If you’re a Razorback fan, I hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity and thank these college students for taking time to visit UAMS while they’re in Little Rock.
I look forward to seeing your survey responses. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Tammy Jones, PHD, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
Associate Vice Chancellor for Patient Care Services & Clinical Operations
Perioperative, Interventional & Imaging Services Division