M
illennials are lazy, entitled narcissists. Baby Boomers are
tech-illiterate dinosaurs too set in their ways to learn any-
thing new. These tired stereotypes are not only patently
false, they're also dangerous — especially in the stress-filled surgical
arena where several generations of nurses and other skilled staff must
work side by side. Here's how to ensure generational differences don't
derail the productivity, morale and even retention rates at your facili-
ty.
Recognize the differences. As a surgical facility leader who
oversees 2, 3 or sometimes even 4 (Baby Boomers, Generation
X, Millennials and Generation Z) generations, it's up to you to under-
stand what makes each group tick.
• Baby Boomers (born between
1946-1964). The largest economic
group in the workforce, Baby
Boomers are often seen as "worka-
holics." They tend to seek structure
and believe rules must be followed
(unless they disagree with said rules on
principle). Boomers measure work
ethic by hours worked, value team-
1
Bridging the Generation Gap
Can Boomers and Millennials work side by side in harmony?
Staffing
Karen Rowan, MSN, RN-BC, CNOR
A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 3
• WORKAHOLICS Baby Boomer nurses value hard work and
loyalty — and tend to forget what it's like when you're just
starting out.
