Affirmations help to empower, clarify goals and actions, encourage people to envision new behaviors and attitudes and motivate them to take desired actions. By using affirmations to acknowledge possibilities, staff may begin viewing themselves and their work differently. I make a difference to the residents I care for. Every day offers me new opportunities to serve and show kindness to others. We need to promote hope and optimism in staff.
Past experiences can influence the degree of hope individuals possess.
When nursing staff become hopeless about their working conditions, they may emotionally withdraw from their work, going through the motions of performing tasks but limiting their psychosocial involvement with residents. They may be unwilling to do any more than the base minimum, lack initiative and have low morale. Health problems, absenteeism, increased incidents and poor care are potential outcomes. Hope can be promoted by establishing trusting relationships. We need to demonstrated to staff that we are committed to solving problems and advocating for good nursing services and that we can be depended upon to keep our word.