Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1294870
4 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com October 5–November 9, 2020 ON THE QUICK Nursing & Healthcare News H ow is your October going? A new calendar from the Healthy Workforce Institute offers some simple ways you can lift your spirits and improve the morale on your unit. Daily Tips for a Happier Workplace Healthy Workforce Institute founder (and Working Nurse contributor) Renee Thompson, RN, DNP, CSP, is an expert on bullying and incivil- ity in nursing, so she has a keen interest in creat- ing more positive workplace environments. She recently unveiled a new idea: the Optimistic October 2020 Calendar. Each day, the calendar presents a simple action you can take to foster kindness, compassion and mutually sup- portive professional relationships. All the tips are straightforward, and many of them take only a moment to do. For example, tips include, "Tell one person why you like working with them," "Compliment someone on social media" and "Treat someone to lunch." Of course, this advice is relevant every month, not just during October. Get It for Free Thompson suggests hanging copies of the calen- dar in in easy-to-see locations, like the break- room, the locker room and even the restrooms. If you're a manager or nurse leader, she sug- gests also bringing up today's tip during daily hud- dles and talking about how you'll follow it yourself. "Remember, transforming a work culture from dysfunctional, disrespectful and negative to pro- fessional, respectful and positive isn't a quick fix but a slow, steady march," she says. You can get the calendar from the "free down- loads" section of the Healthy Workforce Institute website, www.healthyworkforceinstitute.com. WN Optimistic October 31 days of positivity for nurses October2020 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Optimistic 1 2 3 8 9 10 5 6 7 4 12 13 14 11 16 17 15 18 19 21 22 20 24 23 29 30 31 26 27 28 25 "The way we treat each other SHOULD be just as important as the care we provide." - Dr. Renee Thompson National Emergency Nurses Day Thank an ER Nurse today Boss's Day Thank your Boss today with a treat Medical Assistants Recognition Day Thank a Medical Assistant today National Make a Di昀erence Day Start a meeting today by asking someone to share how they witnessed someone demonstrating their organization's values Tell one person why you like working with them Write a note to thank someone for what they do Smile, for World Smile Day Treat someone to a cup of co昀ee Ask someone how they are doing - and listen close Smile and introduce yourself to a colleague you don't know Show someone who's having a rough day that you care about them Compliment a new co-worker World Day of Bullying Prevention™ Speak up if you witness bullying Challenge others to be kind Bring positive, good energy into work today Learn something new about a coworker Take time to thank a leader for the work they do on the team's behalf Do something positive to help the next shift Thank someone on your support team (dietary, housekeeping, unit secretary, etc.) Praise a co-worker or patient for a task or job well done Make your workplace nice and cheerful Smile more. Even when you don't want to smile, see how much it improves your day Grab a buddy and go for a walk Compliment someone on social media Help a colleague who is struggling Call a family member or friend you haven't talked to in awhile just to see how they are Treat someone to lunch Ask someone for their opinion Write down 10 things you are thankful for Look for the good in the world Times are tough — let's spread more kindness! This calendar provides a daily nudge.