By Thomas Davis, CRNA, MAE, Lt. Col (ret)

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CRNA week is an opportunity for our healthcare employers to showcase the value that our profession brings to the industry.  Though we are effective at educating the public through media campaigns and public service projects, CRNA week is the opportunity for Nurse Anesthetists to be recognized and thanked for our services.  We welcome the banners and gestures of appreciation that are gifted during CRNA week but they don’t always leave us feeling valued and visible long term.    Here are some signs that an employer truly understands and respects an employee and his professional contribution.

• The employer says thank you. When you successfully complete a particularly challenging day, or if you’ve brought a project to closure, your boss notices and thanks you for your effort.  Ideally, your boss will deliver the thanks in person.  A creative leader will find a way to leave a thank you note or token to let you know that he is aware of your effort.  Even a thank you email or text lets you know that they noticed.
• The employer recognizes you and rewards your effort. Smart leaders give public credit to workers who go beyond what is normally expected.   Whether or not the extra effort was required in a challenging case or voluntary in a project, being recognized and rewarded at a meeting or highlighted on social media shows the employer’s pride in your work.
• The employer asks for your opinion. CRNAs are on the frontline of patient care and you are the expert on how to do the job.  When your employer solicits your opinion before making a decision, she sends a clear message of respect for you, your knowledge and judgment.
• The employer affirms you. Public affirmation puts a broader spotlight on the CRNA profession.  Marketing the services that the organization offers the public provides an opportunity to tout the talents of all healthcare providers, including nurse anesthetists.  The anesthesiology department chair who identifies and recognizes the talent and professionalism of CRNAs on the department website is making a public statement of respect and gratitude.
• The employer includes you in the planning. Rolling out new policy (eg, changing workflow, installing new equipment) without consulting the those affected interrupts the workflow and adds chaos to an already stressful occupation.   And it naturally leads to sabotage and resistance.  However, if the employer values and includes employees as plans are being developed, the leaders validate the workers and up the odds for a smooth rollout of the new plan.  Win-win.
• The employer is available. Being available with a welcoming attitude whenever we have questions or concerns shows respect for us and for our time.   In the hectic workplace, time is an asset and by giving his freely and appropriately, your boss clearly indicates high regard for the individual.
• The employer promotes your professional development. Ongoing professional development is basic to employee engagement which translates into a preferred workplace with better customer service.  An employer who is truly interested in development of the individual will provide time year ‘round as well as financial support for growth to take place.
• The employer respects your personal life. Employers who value you and your contributions know that work/life balance is foundational in sustaining high performance over an extended period.   Respectful employers assign you extra work only when it’s necessary or you request it, always ensuring that you are compensated for your effort.

CRNA week is only one week each January but the overall behavior of valuing another person is year ‘round, and it’s a two-way street.  While being aware of the employer’s engagement in exemplifying respect and appreciation, implement those values yourselves when you interact with everyone at work, giving as good as you expect to get.  Doing your job as an anesthesia provider throughout the year in a collaborative environment where each person values the other makes one week in January that much sweeter.

Special thanks to Liz Sanner Davis for editing and collaboration.

Thomas Davis is a noted leader, educator, speaker and clinical anesthetist. 

Join Tom and a group of leaders for the values-based leadership webinar.  Click here for information.