Page 385 - CEO Orientation

When asked the question “What special events/programs attracted you to work here and are valued,”
the consistent responses were:
 Celebrations – Summer BBQ, Xmas party, Halloween events, Feast Day, etc.
 Recognition awards – Nursing Week, Inter professional Awards, Breakfast of Champions,
Education and Research Awards, Volunteer Appreciation, etc.
 Education grants and continued learning assistance

All of these examples not only contribute to a healthy culture, but were noted as reasons why
employees were initially attracted to each organization and why they stay.

These longstanding traditions also influence the sense of community that is evident at each site. The
collegial relationships and team spirit that staff, leadership and physicians say they experience are key
drivers that contribute to their loyalty to each organization.

Wellness support: Caring for the disadvantaged is a core value for all three organizations. It was noted
specifically by the employees at St. Michael’s, and less so at St. Joseph that this type of patient care is
increasing in volume as well as complexity. As a result, when considering the topic of wellness, a number
of concerns were raised:

1. The level of violence is increasing – aggression towards staff from patients
2. Employees experiencing anxiety in treating mental health patients
3. Lack of knowledge as to how to support mental health patients
4. Deficiency in knowledge regarding aboriginal patients’ traditions and values, and sexual
orientation diversity

Recommendations:

Although these concerns were not widespread across all sites, the issues are still noteworthy for those
who are attempting to address these challenges on a daily basis.

Considerations for employee support include:
 Violence prevention training including tools for staff to stay safe
 Trauma support for staff with post-incident education or team huddles to debrief and support
each other
 Provisions for staff to treat anxiety as a result of, or in anticipation of, unforeseen patient
behavior
 Education in supporting mental health patients and how to deal with aggression, outbursts
 Sensitivity training, in particular to aboriginal traditions and sexual orientation

11