Clin 1 Clinical Intake Team and Wendy Horton
As team members, we may face many challenges in our day-to-day work that can make us fall into a fixed mindset. However, our abilities aren't set in stone, and challenges can be a calling to adapt and grow. By adopting a growth mindset, which is the belief that our abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication rather than being predetermined by our genes or natural talent, we can reach our fullest potential.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a team that is a shining example of a growth mindset. The Clin 1 Clinical Intake Team has worked hard to recruit new nurses. When I met with them, their enthusiasm was contagious as they spoke about their sense of fulfillment and pride from working as a team to make progress in recruiting new nurses to UVA Health. Their ability to overcome challenges is evident as they have gone above and beyond to make connections, improve processes, answer questions and provide mentorship to introduce new nurses to the organization.
The Clin 1 Clinical Intake Team’s dedication to hiring and welcoming new nurses is a testament to their growth mindset. Thanks to their hard work and determination, along with the efforts of our front-line leaders and team members in Human Resources, they have hired more than 190 new nurses. This includes 56 hires this winter and 134 hired for Summer 2023 with recruitment still ongoing!
Here are some ways that we can take inspiration from the Clin 1 Clinical Intake Team’s efforts to cultivate our own growth mindset as team members:
- Embrace challenges: View difficult tasks as opportunities to learn and grow. Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process.
- Persist through setbacks: View setbacks as learning opportunities and a chance to improve. Use them as motivation to drive us to do better next time.
- Learn from criticism: It can be easy to become defensive when we receive constructive criticism, but when we open ourselves to feedback, we can make positive and informed changes to improve.
- Surround ourselves with positivity: Seek out colleagues who have a growth mindset and who encourage us to develop ours. And if you can’t avoid certain negative people in your life, remember to not let their words weigh you down with them.
- Focus on effort, not just talent: Recognize that hard work and dedication are just as important as natural talent. Celebrate our own efforts and the efforts of our colleagues, rather than just focusing on achievements.
Growth and learning are ongoing processes, and every day is an opportunity to improve. With the right growth mindset and support from our team, we can overcome challenges and make a real difference in the lives of our patients and colleagues.
I want to extend a special thank you to the Clin 1 Clinical Intake Team for showing us the power of a growth mindset. Their dedication to their work and their commitment to growth is truly inspiring, and we can all learn from their example. Let's embrace the power of a growth mindset and work together to achieve our goals.
Take care and be well,
Wendy
PS — Don’t forget to share your UVA Health story of transforming health and inspiring hope for all Virginians and beyond with me!