By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM
Have you received or given an act of kindness recently? Has someone been kind to you, inspiring you to pay it forward? Kindness is being friendly, generous, and considerate without expecting anything in return. The root of the word "kindness" originates from the Old English word kyndnes, which evolved from the Middle English kindenes, meaning courtesy. Synonyms for kindness include care, compassion, concern, grace, helpfulness, neighborliness, benevolence, courtesy, and love. But kindness goes beyond these qualities; it's an intentional act of compassion, generosity, and love.
Kindness means different things to different people, yet it is universally contagious. Kindness has the power to create a ripple effect, touching not just one person but whole communities. And in the field of case management, kindness is a powerful tool that strengthens professional resilience and enhances both client satisfaction and workplace morale. World Kindness Week, celebrated November 13-19, 2024, is the perfect time to incorporate random acts of kindness into your practice. This week serves as a reminder of kindness as a core professional value and an effective approach for case managers to help clients and foster a positive workplace.
Why Kindness Matters in Case Management
Kindness creates a sense of connection. It allows case managers to strengthen relationships, boost morale, and improve outcomes. In a high-stress, fast-paced profession, intentional acts of kindness promote a positive work culture that benefits everyone involved. For clients, kindness often means feeling valued and respected; for case managers, it reduces burnout and reinforces the professional purpose.
Kindness in Client Care:
Showing kindness to clients can help alleviate their stress, making them feel supported. Attentive, empathetic listening, for example, builds rapport, helping clients feel heard and understood. When clients feel respected and cared for, they are more likely to trust their case manager, share their concerns, and adhere to care plans. A word of encouragement or a simple, "You're doing great," can boost a client's morale and help them feel hopeful and motivated.
Kindness Among Colleagues:
In the workplace, acts of kindness between team members foster positive work environments, reduce stress, and improve team cohesion. Kindness can take many forms. Recognizing a colleague's hard work can uplift their mood and foster mutual respect. Since case management can be emotionally demanding, offering support during tough cases, sharing resources, or simply checking in can have a significant impact. Showing empathy and understanding during challenging times is a meaningful act of kindness that builds lasting bonds among coworkers.
How to Show Kindness: Ideas for Professional Case Managers
Even small acts can make a lasting impact on clients and colleagues. Here are some ways case managers can incorporate kindness into their daily practice:
- For Clients:
- Show genuine interest by asking about their lives and families.
- Acknowledge special dates like birthdays.
- Offer encouraging words to boost morale.
- For Colleagues:
- Write thank-you notes or send an email of appreciation.
- Acknowledge achievements or contributions in team meetings.
- Support colleagues by sharing resources or offering help with cases.
- In General:
- Pay it forward by buying a coffee or meal for someone.
- Smile at strangers or hold the door open.
- Donate to a charity or volunteer time.
- Take time for self-kindness and rest.
The Impact of Kindness
Research demonstrates that kindness has powerful effects on both the giver and the recipient. Acts of kindness can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. For clients, feeling genuinely cared for leads to trust in the case manager and adherence to care plans, ultimately enhancing outcomes. For case managers, showing kindness brings professional satisfaction, reduces burnout, and reinforces their work's purpose and meaning.
As World Kindness Month unfolds, don't miss the chance to practice kindness. Even the smallest gesture can make a significant difference, creating a ripple effect that uplifts everyone involved.
Kindness is contagious. Start a ripple that will turn into a wave!
Be kind to each other.
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Ways to Demonstrate Kindness:
- Give compliments
- Smile at strangers
- Hold open doors
- Write thank you notes
- Run errands for others
- Buy a stranger coffee or a meal
- Let another driver merge with a wave and a smile
- Call a friend or family member just to catch up
- Send uplifting texts
- Be kind to yourself
- Donate to a charity
- Listen more
- Speak respectfully to others
- Say "Thank You"
- Acknowledge special days or occasions
November is packed with learning and celebration!
From webinars to national observances, there’s so much to look forward to this month.
Mark your calendar for these special opportunities to enhance your skills and connect with the CMSA community.
Free November Webinars: https://cmsa.org/education/webinars/
Rural Networking Session (Members-Only): https://cmsa.org/rsig/
Bio: Janet S. Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is a Fellow of Case Management and a board-certified transplant case manager with a large health plan. She is currently President of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors. She has held positions as a nurse educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. Janet has been a recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award.