More than one in three American workers today are Millennials, adults ages 18 to 35. According to the Pew Research Center analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau, 2015 data showed that Millennials surpassed Generation-Xers in becoming the largest share of the American workforce.
The impact of the Millennial workforce can pose unique challenges in health care and hospitals. To make certain that any health system is successful, it is important that healthcare facilities understand how to engage the most talented Millennial nurse-force and then assure that they succeed.
Millennial Nurses seek:
Financial security however with great importance on an innovative work environment
Versatility and flexibility in the workplace
Strong work-life balance in their jobs
Opportunities for leadership not necessarily with an advanced title but rather in an expansive role that makes a difference
Organizations with fewer layers of management with greater focus on communication and relationship building
The Millennial Nurse Challenge
What should current organizational leaders do with a continued increase of the numbers of Millennials in their workforce?
Establish new, diverse, and creative ways for employees to impact the organization
Welcome non-traditional approaches in work schedules and requirements
Applaud the proliferation of media and digital technologies for communication and education
Explore non-conventional career growth opportunities
Reward employee-driven efforts and initiatives that support organizational transformation
Nursing leaders in health care are challenged with a changing employee workforce accompanied with the demands of the 24-7 nature of a health care setting. Leaders must be creative in fostering a professional work environment that promotes nursing staff engagement.
Effective nursing leadership is the key for supporting all generations of nursing employees in order for them to provide the highest standards of nursing care to patients and families. When there is the departure of a leader planned or unplanned, it is imperative that a transition plan is quickly put into place.
A solution for leadership transition is Interim Nursing Leadership through Kirby Bates Associates. Interim nursing leaders from KBA provide support and preserve an organization’s RN resources along with continued attention to the hospital and patient care agenda.
Explore interim nursing leadership with KBA, you’ll be glad you did!
