Ideas That Work: Let a Gratitude Tree Take Root

David Taylor III, MSN, RN, CNOR, a healthcare executive consultant with the Resolute Advisory Group, worked with staff at the UCSF Memory and Aging Center in San Francisco to design a Gratitude Tree wall mural. The colorful, beautiful display is an attention-grabbing reminder to recognize and appreciate life’s smallest blessings. A message painted next to the tree lets staff and visitors know that the tree represents the collective effort to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and invites them to reflect upon and share what they are grateful for, especially during difficult times: If you feel inspired by this tree and would like to share what you are grateful for, please write it on a leaf and add it to our gratitude tree. “We place blank vinyl stickers and a pen in an acrylic tray for anyone — staff, leadership, employees from other departments, patients — to write a personal message and stick it on the tree,” says Mr. Taylor. “We thought it would be a great tool to use with staff and the leadership team to encourage them to recognize each other with little notes, words of wisdom and appreciation.” He and the staff worked with a local sign company to come up with the original design and modified it to fit on the wall space. The display was painted in a public area so it’s easily seen by staff as they arrive for work and patients when they’re admitted for their procedures.