Managing Workplace Negativity

A Level II Online Module

August 12 – September 9, 2013 (4 weeks)

This Level II module of NHPCO’s Hospice Manager Development Program is a four-week online learning module. 

Module Description

The ability to manage workplace negativity is a key skill for hospice managers. Working in an environment where there is negativity, poor attitude, apathy, frustration and related issues adds stress and breeds dissatisfaction. In the hospice environment, where the work itself is very emotionally charged, it is vital that managers are competent in understanding, identifying and addressing workplace negativity. Unless intervention occurs, workplace negativity can lead to poor morale and lack of trust in the overall organization, its goals and significantly impact employee and volunteer retention. Equally important, negative employees are incapable of providing the exceptional quality of care that is the hallmark of hospice and palliative care. This module will provide hospice managers with key information about negativity in the workplace and, more importantly, intervention skills to manage it.  

Module Objectives

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the dynamics of workplace negativity;
• Identify the impacts of workplace negativity;
• Discuss behaviors that create problems and negativity in the workplace;
• Identify strategies for overcoming workplace negativity;
• Develop and refine approaches for coping with workplace negativity.

Module Structure

The module will be instructor-facilitated and is conducted online over a period of four weeks. During this time you will read online articles, complete assignments and take part in ongoing online discussions.  You can expect to spend 2 – 4 hours per week in these activities.

Participants will determine their own schedules for completing the course work; online learning does not require that you be in a classroom at a set time, which is a perfect arrangement for busy hospice managers! Completion of the module does require, however, that you participate in weekly assignments and post them by designated dates.

Faculty: Christin (Coco) O’Shaughnessy, MSW

Christin (Coco) O’Shaughnessy currently works as a consultant to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).  She previously was the Consumer Programs and Services Director at NHPCO, and oversaw the Consumer Services Center, which provides support and resources to consumers and professionals regarding end-of-life care issues. She developed end-of-life and caregiving content for consumer materials and managed partnerships with external organizations which included end-of-life trainings for professionals.   Prior to joining NHPCO in 2003, she was a hospice social worker at Cedar Valley Hospice for five years and before that, a social worker in long-term care, at both assisted living and nursing facilities.  Coco has been working in end-of-life care for over 15 years and enjoys focusing on consumer and professional outreach and education.

Module Requirements

A minimum of 75% participation in module assignments is required for successful completion of the module toward the Level II Designation of the Hospice Manager Development Program.  There are weekly assignments and deadline dates that require participants’ attention and participation each week.

Participants desiring continuing education credit (see below) must complete 100% of the module assignments to be awarded continuing education hours.

All module participants must complete and pass the final test with a score of 80% or higher for successful completion of the module for the Hospice MDP and for continuing education credit for nurses and social workers.

Continuing Education:

Continuing education credit is available for nurses and social workers who complete this module and pay required fees (see Module Fees) for continuing education.

Nurse: NHPCO is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. NHPCO designates this activity for a maximum of 8 contact hours.  Nurses should claim only the contact hours commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Accredited status by ANCC refers only to continuing nursing education and does not imply endorsement of any commercial product discussed in conjunction with this activity. 

Social Worker: This module has been approved for social workers by the National Association of Social Workers (provider number 886414158) for 8 continuing education hours for social workers who complete 100% of all module assignments.

Module Fees:

The module fee is $95. There is an additional $25 fee for nurses and social workers requesting continuing education credit.

Late Registration Information-

Please note: Due to administrative constraints, if you are registering less than 2 business days prior to the  module start date, there is a late fee of $25. Late registrations are processed only over the phone; call NHPCO’s Solutions Center   at 800/646-6460. Please have credit card information ready for phone registrations. 

Registration Cancellation Policy

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to conferences@nhpco.org. A $25 processing fee will apply to all cancellations. Cancellations made on the day the module starts or afterward are not eligible for a refund.

Register Online