Teamwork in any field is important. However, since nurses work together to save lives, it’s essential that they have a great working relationship with each other. There are several ways to build relationships with your coworkers, and we’ve highlighted several for you.
- Value individual differences – it’s important to understand that we’re all different. We have varying personalities, values, goals, interests, and so much more. If we’re able to respect everyone for who they are and capitalize on everyone’s strengths, it’ll make team synergy so much more accomplishable.
- Establish trust – a way to form trust is to have an open, honest, and respectful communication policy. People will not agree on everything, but if you’re able to respectfully talk through your oppositions then it’ll make it easier to trust others. Because if you can’t talk to each other, then you turn to gossip and that creates mistrust within the unit.
- Encourage team activities – meeting outside of work can allow you to become familiar with your coworkers on a personal level. Team members can get together by having coffee on a weekend morning, having dinner at a restaurant on your day off, or going to a happy hour after work. And even if you don’t have much free time on your off-days, have lunch with your coworkers on your break. You may be surprised at how much you have in common.
There are many other ways to promote teamwork within a nursing unit. The important thing is that it’s created! They’ll make your working days easier and more enjoyable.
