Performance Appraisals and Problem Employees

At the beginning this unit, I expected to learn about performance appraisals and about how different companies do them. I expected to learn how to fire or let an employee go.

I learned that there are a lot of different things that can be done in a performance appraisal and the way that it takes place. I also learned that most of the time, nurses (and employees in general) are going to get the average score and not the highest ranking.  It is important that I don’t let an average score get me down and that I will use it as motivation to get a better rating the next year. I learned that Utah is an employment at will state and employers or employees do not have to give a reason for terminating employment.

I liked the multiple discussions that we had going for this week.  I learned a lot from my different teammates about their thoughts on performance appraisals and problems employees.  Choosing the greatest leader of all time is a very difficult one thing to do, especially coming to a consensus.  I never would have thought that when we are evaluating individuals that we are actually just comparing the person to the great leaders of all time.

I will be able to apply what I have learned this week to my nursing practice.  In the future, I will be able to understand where my manager is coming from when he/she gives me my employee performance rating. I will make sure to do all that is required of me in my RN position so that I'll be able to receive the best rating that I’m able to do.  It also gives me motivation in knowing what they are looking for, so that I can look for opportunities to increase my stock at the company in which I’m employed. 

I have learned a significant amount during this week.  I never knew what went into employee performance evaluation process.  I feel that it takes a lot to fire an employee which makes it nice that Utah is an employment at will.