Your Generation Matters!

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As I write this, I am almost halfway through my presidency year. During that time I have traveled to many states for conferences and meetings, and I have been honored to meet many emergency nurses in person. The effect has been one of joy and wonderment, and I am humbled to wear the title of “president” this year. I have been impressed by your passion, enthusiasm and excitement as I hear you talk about your patients, your practice and your colleagues. Most amazing is that each age/generation does not seem to waver when it comes to their passion for emergency nursing and I see it displayed in various ways. It is our multigenerational diversity.

Never before in America's history have we had 4 generations together in the workforce. In the emergency department, that translates to challenges in communication, education, workplace harmony, practice, process, and patient care. Each generation has its own style, ideas, work ethics, leadership styles, motivators, and behaviors. If you stop to think about it, you might wonder how we accomplish as much as we do.

To recap our diversity: The Veterans, or Silent Generation as they are sometimes called, were born before 1946. They grew up during a difficult time, marked by war and the Great Depression. They appreciate hard work and discipline and tend to be respectful toward authority.

The Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964 and grew up during the post war growing economy. They work long hours, have a strong work ethic, and often struggle with work-life balance.

Generation X, or Gen X'ers, were born between 1964 to 1980. Because many of their mothers worked outside the home, they favor work-life balance. They tend to be very self-reliant and technology is important to them.

Generation Y, or Millenials, were born between 1980 and 2000. They are the second largest group after the Baby Boomers and were raised during a relatively affluent time by parents who lavished attention on them. They exhibit a high degree of altruism and volunteerism, and technology has always been a big part of their lives.¹

Now, how many readers know a Boomer “workaholic” who resents it when they see someone who doesn't have the same work ethic and may label that someone as less than committed to their profession? And how many know Gen X'ers or Millenials who dismiss as being out of touch anyone who doesn't use an iPhone or send text messages regularly? At work, generational diversity can affect everything from team building to dealing with change, managing quality, maintaining and increasing productivity, or ensuring safety.

Each generation has its own strengths. Understanding the differences and effectively managing them could improve nurse satisfaction and retention. Focusing on the strengths of each generation can help to improve not only communication, but nursing practice and patient care. We have enormous talents. We must learn to blend those talents and leverage the best in one another. How can we do that?

Many conferences include speakers on the topic of generational diversity and you will find the topic in the literature and on the Internet.² But, reading or attending a conference won't get it done. It should be taught in nursing schools and be addressed in orientation. It should be discussed during staff meetings, and when a new group or team comes together to work on a project they should acknowledge the generational differences up front and discuss how to capitalize on them for the best outcomes. Understanding yourself, your values and your lifestyle contribute to working in a respectful, professional environment. We all have value. We all have great ideas. We all have strengths. Let's make use of our multigenerational diversity to bring out the best in one another.

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References 

1. Larson J. Exploring the Generation Gap in the Nursing Workforce. AMN Healthcare, Inc; 2008;NurseZone. Com
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2. Hammill G. Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees. FDU Magazine Online; 2005;Winter/Spring www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htmAccessed May 30, 2010
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