“Yes, what a mouth full, isn’t it”, the brand new Chief Nursing Officer Susanne Ruifrok laughs. “I also have to get used to it. And I notice that you always have to explain the function.”
The 43-year-old Ruifrok has been appointed Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) in Noorderboog in Meppel since July last year. Noorderboog is an organization in elderly care.
The CNO must ensure a stronger position for nurses and carers. But the function is an extra management layer, is that desirable? “Yes, it sounds contradictory; another disc added.” agrees Ruifrok. “But the need is there. In one way or another, the connection between the workplace and the board is not properly established. That has traditionally grown this way, when hierarchy still played a major role. For example, people from the workplace find it difficult to find people from the board and vice versa.”
Minister Helder of Long-term Care and Sport is coming to the nursing home De Schiphorst in Meppel today to be informed about this position. This already exists in hospitals, but it is unique in elderly care. “The best thing is that more elderly care organizations deploy such a Chief Nursing Officer. There are also subsidies for that. It is very nice that the Noorderboog is the first to pick up the gauntlet, so that we also have an example of how to do that. One thing is very important: our carers and nurses know very well how they want to organize the work. They must be given control in an organization. The CNO can take care of that. And once that is in order, you can in fact say goodbye again of the position. But that is far from the case.”
After having held the position for a year, Ruifrok can say that this ‘extra layer’ works. “Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex; a lot is being asked of healthcare personnel. How do you ensure that people continue to work with pleasure? That they feel seen and heard? That they regain control over the performance of their function? I can you say that some of the hbo nurses are now in position; that they are doing what they were hired to do. That ensures more happiness at work and we also keep those employees longer. We need them badly.”
Ruigrok and Noorderboog employees had an hour to update the minister about their experiences in the field. The minister asked questions but mostly listened. “I hope that the policymakers from The Hague hear where our hearts really lie. And the best thing is that my position as Chief Nursing Oficer will cease to exist in two years, that it will no longer be necessary. Then I have done well”, concludes Ruf skirt.