When a problem arises, gather your staff as a group and find answers. Welcome everyone's suggestions, never discount an idea, and don't be afraid to expand on suggestions. This approach will help staff become problem solvers and feel comfortable bringing ideas to you. Taking part in a decision that directly impacts their practice makes staff feel that their ideas matter. And where there's change, there's often resistance.
Nurse managers can face that resistance over a new heart monitor or a new vacation policy.
To ease resistance, examine the factors at work. First, change has a psychologic impact on staff. Employees may interpret change as management's lack of confidence in their job abilities. Second, economic concerns cause resistance. Staff fear that change may result in lost jobs or decreased overtime.