You work hard for your department, your organization, and most especially, your patients. And you deserve to be recognized for it, right?
Most RTs would say yes, but how that recognition should be delivered is another story. What do RTs really want from their managers? Some therapists (and some managers too) shared their opinions on the matter via the AARC Specialty Section discussion lists.
Kelly Welton, BA, RRT-NPS, says a face-to-face thank you for a job well done is always appreciated. That one-on-one touch is much more meaningful than a shout-out at the monthly department meeting. But more tangible forms of recognition are great too, and they don't have to represent big bucks. "A $5 meal card or Starbucks card is a nice reward also," says the Orange, CA, therapist.
At her hospital, managers hand out "bucks" that can be spent in the cafeteria or gift shop. She says RTs appreciate having that "free money" to go get a cold drink or snack during the workday.
She notes studies show many people really value a kind word of thanks – sometimes even more than financial incentives – and that point was driven home for her after the nurse in her outpatient clinic left and she had to assume her responsibilities.
Robert Boyd, from Louisville, KY, is all for verbal "thanks" as well. He remembers how uplifting and motivating it was to received such recognition from his supervisors when he was a staff therapist and now that he's a manager, he pays it forward.
For Kenny Miller, MEd, MSRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC, from Allentown, PA, hearing "great job" from a manager is wonderful, and so are managers who view their staff as individuals and not just FTEs. But the best thank-you of all comes not from a supervisor but from the people who benefit from his care.
"To me the greatest recognition I can get is when a patient and/or family comes back to visit after a difficult hospitalization and thanks me for caring for them or their loved one," says the RT.
He admits, though, that his stance may come from just having been around for a bit too long. "Maybe after 40 years in the medical field, I'm just a grumpy old curmudgeon," concedes the RT.