Workplace violence against NURSES is increasingly prevalent. Most nurses report encountering some form of workplace aggression in the last year. Nurse leaders serve as the first line of support to help their nurses heal. Tipton Health’s Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Mary Del Guidice shares insights on how nurse leaders can connect with their nurses to show their love after such an event.”
Show Up I Listen I Be Patient I Provide a Safe Space I Follow Up
Supporting a member of your nursing team who has gone through trauma requires empathy and sensitivity.
Here are some thoughtful things you can say.
“What can I do to help now?” Sometimes practical support can make a big difference.
- If you need someone to talk to, I am here.
- If you need to take a walk, I will walk with you.
- If you need a meal, I will get it for you.
“I’m here for you.” Offering your presence and support is vital.
- You are not alone.
- We are all nurses.
- I did not go through the trauma, but I want to be here to help you.
“Take all the time you need.” Healing is a personal journey. Respect the individual pace.
- I can’t tell you what you need.
- Tell me what you need when you are ready.
- I am just going to listen to you.
“It’s ok to feel however you’re feeling.” All emotional responses are natural & understandable.
“I am going to check on you every day to let you know I am here for you.” Follow up and follow through.
NEVER Say
“I know what you are going through” UNLESS you have had the SAME EXACT experience.
“It’s ok, you will get over it.” People NEED to feel what they are feeling.
Do not try to “FIX IT”
- If you feel anxious about sitting with someone then you most likely have the desire to “fix it”.
- We are nurses, there is no nurse who doesn’t want to fix suffering.
- Trying to “fix it” can sometimes be the worst thing to do.
- Sometimes people need to feel the pain they need to feel.
Just listen.
“Your presence is an intervention in and of itself.”
Tipton Health, the nation’s leading nursing consultancy, is pleased to announce that Tracy Miller MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, has joined our team as Executive Nursing Consultant. In her new role, Tracy will play a key part in advancing Tipton Health’s nursing excellence initiatives, bolstering efforts to enhance nursing leadership and drive improved patient care outcomes across diverse healthcare environments.
“With the addition of Tracy to our team, we are positioned to make a direct impact on nursing practices, optimize operational effectiveness, and foster meaningful improvements in patient care across all settings,” said Mary Del Guidance, MSN, BSN, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Tipton Health.
“Tracy shares the passion and commitment that we bring to our work each day on behalf of the nursing profession,” said Dan Tipton, president of Tipton Health. “She has demonstrated throughout her career the ability to advance nursing practice and build strong nursing work environments, even during challenging times.”
Tracy most recently served as Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services at UPMC Memorial, where she led efforts to improve quality care, operational efficiency, and programmatic growth. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved significant improvements in patient outcomes, staff engagement, and overall financial and operational performance. Previously, Tracy held the role of Director of Nursing at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, where she continued to demonstrate her commitment to excellence in patient care and nursing leadership. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from York College of Pennsylvania and her Master of Health Administration (MHA) from the University of Phoenix.
Thank you to Kirby Bates Associates for their partnership in Tracy’s recruitment.
About Tipton Health
Tipton Health is the nation’s premier nursing consultancy, providing nursing solutions that drive outcomes, efficiency, patient and nurse experiences, and revenue. Tipton has successfully guided more than 300 nursing teams to nursing excellence, often using the evidence-based Magnet®, or Pathway to Excellence® frameworks. Tipton Health’s clients have a nearly 100% success rate in achieving designation. For more information, please visit tiptonhealth.com.