Project Wildfish: rewarding through innovation

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Organizational Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The effectiveness of reward systems in healthcare is influenced by staff development.
• A framework called the Transformational Model for the Practice of Professional Nursing was developed at Shadyside Hospital.
• This model highlights the importance of staff developmental stages in reward system design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the most valued rewards for a developed nursing unit.
• To explore the link between staff development and reward system appropriateness.
• To demonstrate how innovation can be a motivating reward.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Transformational Model for the Practice of Professional Nursing framework.
• Assessed the developmental level of nursing staff.
• Identified highly valued rewards for well-developed nursing units.

Main Results:

• The potential for innovation is a highly valued reward for healthy, well-developed nursing units.
• Project Wildfish demonstrated the positive impact of innovation as a reward.
• Innovation inspires energy, commitment, and enthusiasm among nursing staff.

Conclusions:

• Reward systems should align with the developmental level of nursing staff.
• Fostering innovation can be a powerful and effective reward strategy in nursing.
• The Transformational Model provides a basis for designing effective nursing reward systems.