CRONA
Committee for Recognition of Nursing Achievement
Area Representatives and Membership Meetings
April 2 and 7, 2009

The Importance of Preparation and Communication

Communication
Much of the nursing process involves verbal communication and written documentation. With practice and preparation we can become more skillful in communicating clearly and directly. Here are some examples:

When asking for help from a manager or co worker express yourself clearly.

For example, ask the Resource Nurse or manager to take a set of vital signs or do some specific action/task instead of saying you are busy.

When you need a break period, say “I need a break” instead of stating you did not have a meal break at the end of the shift.

When you want to be promoted to the next staff nurse level, say “I need to discuss my promotion” instead of enumerating the number of activities you are performing and expect the manager to offer you a promotion. Document by email; this eliminates ambiguity and starts a “paper” trail for verifying dates, etc.

Preparation
Preparation is a critical step to succeed at any challenge. Ronald Shapiro, author of “Dare to Prepare: How to Win Before You Begin” suggests the following:

1. What is the objective? Determine your goal before you start.

2. Are there alternative outcomes to consider? You may need a back up plan.

3. What is important to other people? Ask other people who are involved about their plans.

4. What is your timeline? Breakdown your overall project into small tasks and set deadlines.

5. Can anyone help? If you have a team who can help you, ask them.

6. What do you want to say? Outline your main points, create a script and practice until the words feel normal.

With preparation and good communication skills we can improve our work environment and professional advancement.

Submitted By: Geralyn Martinez R.N., Nurse Advocate

Announcements:

The Negotiation Committees of SHC and LPCH are starting to gather information in preparation for Negotiations 2010. We will be sending out a negotiations survey in the next few months.
You can help by filling out your negotiations survey. We need your input. Make your goals CRONA’s goals.

Talk to a Fidelity Representative About Your Retirement. A Fidelity representative will be available for one-on-one counseling to discuss your retirement on April 9, April 30, May 6, May 28, June 10 and June 18. To make an appointment for a one-on-one counseling, please visit www.fidelity.com/atwork/reservations or call (800) 642-7131.

You have five (5) months left (through August 31, 2009) for the current fiscal year to use your education hours and education funds. Due to summer vacations it may be difficult for your education day request to be approved unless you take the hours over your commitment. Log on to www.crona.org to view your Contractual education benefits.