Sharing successes: a thematic day of the Comité du Bonheur. (Photo: CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest)
Lack of staff, sicker patients, tired nurses… the hospital environment faces several difficulties. To mobilize employees and restore the image of her department, the head of the medicine/pediatrics unit 2 east of the Anna-Laberge Hospital in Châteauguay set up the Comité du Bonheur in January.
The head of medicine/pediatrics unit 2 is from the Anna-Laberge hospital in Châteauguay, Maria De Simone. (Photo: CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest)
Maria De Simone offers a monthly challenge to the 90 health professionals in her department. The most recent: take 10,000 steps a day and drink 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily. “It brings so much joy for the girls,” says Ms. De Simone. We have a difficult job. The Comité du Bonheur is joy, a respite from the day. Despite the procedural masks, I see the smile in their eyes.”
A theme day is also organized each month. In February, the nursing staff described in a few words, on hearts, what makes them happy at work or in everyday life.
Mariama Bah, a nurse in the medicine/paediatrics unit 2, has been around for almost 6 years, taking part in the challenges. His contribution gives him “a slight letting go” of his daily tasks and speaks of “humanity, mutual aid, listening” on the care unit. Ms. Bah confides that she has seen her productivity increase since the implementation of the Comité du Bonheur. As the professional feels happy at work, she provides care with “positive feelings”. What does his participation bring to him on a personal level? “Happiness, joy, a smile, a change from what we usually do, a little laugh with our colleagues,” she replies.
A group of health professionals who participated in the thematic day in February, including nurse Mariama Bah, 2nd row, 3rd from the left. (Photo: CISSS de la Montérégie-Ouest)
Participation rate of nearly 75%
The activity participation rate is close to 75%. Patients as well as members of the multidisciplinary team, passing through the medicine/paediatrics unit, also take part. The theme days take place at “less busy” times and are spread over a period of “10 minutes”, specifies Ms. De Simone. The unit head’s efforts are supported by a committee made up of staff members. The role of each: to be an ambassador, with their colleagues, by conveying the values of the organization.
Maria De Simone explains that for a long time the medicine/paediatrics unit 2 was seen as a “more difficult, not welcoming” environment. The dynamism of the team in place changes the situation. “You have to have an impact on what you can control, ie our perception of the situation, our work climate, having fun at work. When we are happy at work, the quality of care will increase”, she says in connection with the activities of the Happiness Committee.
