There's an expression about the way we older health professionals treat young people in the workplace - it is said that "we eat our young". For example, McKenna et al (2003) surveyed new graduate nurses in New Zealand and found that most of them had experienced some sort of bullying or horizontal violence. This results in absentisim, sickness and stress, and ultimately nurses leave the profession.Supporting , not eating
The 'Young Professionals in Aged Care' meeting I went to the other day only emphasised the importance of supporting and nuturing that young people need in the healthcare workplace. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly obvious as I spend more and more time at the coalface as opposed to the academic environment, that the way we support staff, whatever age they are, is one of the biggest issues we face in healthcare.
Networking as a startegy
Networking is a key strategy for workplace support. It's hardly rocket science, and it is certainly not new. Neverthless it is worth emphasising, especially to young people who may not realise its potential.
I am a great enthausiast of online networking because it takes you so much further than face-to-face networking does. Networking provides opportunities for mentoring, connecting, sharing knowledge and resources.
Key to building a network
I would say that the key to developing an effective online network is taking the time to get 'out' and meet people using a variety of online communication tools. Help people and share your knowledge and resources - like 'pay it forward' - people will do the same back to you.
Here is the presentation I gave about how to network using the web last Friday. What would be your advice for building a network? What benefits have you seen in online networking?
http://www.slideshare.net/sarahs/using-the-web-to-build-a-network
References
McKenna, B., Smith, N., Poole, S., & Coverdale, J. (2003). Horizontal violence: experiences of Registered Nurses in their first year of practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 42 (1), 90-96.
Image: 'Lion (Panthera leo)' Arno & Louise
www.flickr.com/photos/15745225@N00/3063474212
1 comment:
Like you, I can relate some terrible stories from the past - I can also tell you of some horrible stuff that goes on now!
We have to nurture our young folk, or we're never going to be able to retire in 10-15 years time!
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