Forum Discussion

Ask questions, share ideas and support one another.

‹ Back to Forum
Julie 11th May 2011 CNS Diversional&Recreational Activities for the Elderly
Hi there. I work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Diversional&Recreational Activities for the elderly. I work in a 43 bedded long stay unit. While i know the residents enjoy the activities programme available my biggest problem is other staff. They view my job as a "cushy" one and their comments are very often demeaning. Does anyone have any suggestions to motivate other staff to get involved and see the job as a vital and necessary one. Management are very supportive.
Danielle 11th Jun 2021 Activities Assistant
I would love help with this too!
Susan 11th Jun 2021 Activity Director
Hi Julie and Danielle
If staff wasn't as engaged - In this case, I would tell and ask the aids and nurses on the floor directly, which helped build a repour with the staff, too.
This article may help you out
https://www.goldencarers.com/15-ways-to-get-the-participation-of-your-nursing-team/6084/
Susan 11th Jun 2021 Activity Director
Hi Julie and Danielle
If staff wasn't as engaged - In this case, I would tell and ask the aids and nurses on the floor directly, which helped build a repour with the staff, too.
This article may help you out
https://www.goldencarers.com/15-ways-to-get-the-participation-of-your-nursing-team/6084/
Jean 12th Jun 2021 Activities Coordinator
I don't know if this comment will be of any help to Julie and Danielle, I see myself as a 'trainer' and I print articles from this website such as: How to conduct a Reminiscing Session' Your Departments Role in End of Life Support, How to Plan a Music Activity for Dementia care' etc and each week I put one on the notice board in our staff room for all of the staff to see, read and learn from. If a member of staff expresses an interest I print a copy of the article for them or if I see a member of staff engaging in an activity I give them information about it. I had one particular staff who seemed good at helping a resident undress and dress a doll, I thanked her for getting involved and gave her information on 'doll therapy' saying 'you may be interested in reading this'. There are a lot of articles on the website but choose training material that is relevant to the activities that you do, perhaps this will help them to understand your reason and the role activities plays in the residents life.
Danielle 13th Jun 2021 Activities Assistant
Jean, thank you very much for the suggestions. I will try this!
Susan 13th Jun 2021 Activity Director
Hi Jean
Thank you for sharing this information
Should be most helpful
Jean 14th Jun 2021 Activities Coordinator
If the staff don't read the info you put up don't give up or feel disparaged remember that by putting the info up you are proving that you are in a job that is structured and requires special knowledge and skills. Your job has aims and goals and you are not at work to just 'play'

Leave a comment

Create an Account to use the Forum, it's free!

Help