Page 76 - Play to Learn -- In the New Nursing Home Environment

RTT
elationships rump asks
75
PURPOSE
To help participants look at their jobs in terms of people and relationships instead of just tasks
DESCRIPTION
Participants describe the work they do and are then asked to rephrase tasks in terms of human interaction. It is especially good for different groups of people: formal leadership looking at reshaping their jobs
in terms of supporting those in the
organization, people who have not had much contact with elders (“behind the scenes” people), the household team and direct care workers.
PARTICIPANTS Team
TIME 10-15 minutes
SUPPLIES
flipchart and markers, pens and paper
Steps:
• Each participant should have paper and something to write with. Ask participants to draw a line down
the center of their paper. On the left side, numbering 1 through 5, ask them to write down five of their job responsibilities. They will likely list things like: make beds, distribute medication, make staff schedule, oversee xyz, etc.
• Explain that in the institutional model, the focus is on tasks and efficiency. This is why in this model, we sometimes have to do things that in our heart we know the elders don’t want and that we wouldn’t want if we were in their position. “I’m sorry Mrs. Johnson, I know you prefer a shower every morning, but we have you scheduled for a bath on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.” We have to “flip the switch” on our feelings to get our jobs done.
• However, in the transformational, neighborhood or household model, we concentrate on putting what the residents want first. We recognize that staff can problem solve, make decisions and flourish when given responsibility and authority to find a way to best serve the residents and fellow staff members.
• Ask participants to take a look at their list and see if there isn’t another way to look at how they do their jobs. For instance “bathing residents” could be “creating a relaxing and refreshing bathing experience that residents will look forward to.” Or, “overseeing department employees” could be “helping staff problem solve by offering expertise and someone off which to bounce ideas. Listening to his or her situation and seeing if I have any resources that may aid the situation.” Give participants 5 minutes to rework their job responsibilities.
• After five minutes, ask for volunteers to share examples from their lists. When
an example is given, you may open the floor to the rest of the group to see if they have other ideas for reworking the job responsibility.
Person- centered jobs
CULTURE CHANGE GAMES