Bethesda conducts command climate survey

National Naval Medical Center Rear Adm. Matthew Nathan, left, and Command Master Chief Sherman Boss (SS⁄SW⁄FMF), cut cakes Monday, marking the official start of the 2009 Annual Command Assessment Survey. The anonymously survey enables hospital staff to voice opinions to the command leadership on a range of topics.

The National Naval Medical Center started its 2009 Annual Command Assessment Survey to assess, and ultimately address, concerns from staff members. It covers a wide range of issues, including BRAC integration with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, sexual harassment, equal opportunity, command morale and organizational effectiveness in order to improve overall working conditions.

‘‘We can’t read peoples minds. I need everyone to fill it out and tell us what you think,” said Rear Adm. Matthew Nathan, commander NNMC in an all-hands message. ‘‘The surveys are anonymous and tell us about the command climate [and] how it relates to working here.”

Chief Hospital Corpsman Robert Wagenman, the command assessment team leader, is tasked with the planning, logistical support and execution of the survey.

‘‘The survey gives an opportunity to speak freely,” Wagenman said. ‘‘In the past, NNMC has ranked higher than the Navy average in [satisfaction across] all categories covered in the survey.”

The survey may be completed via secure NNMC intranet or on paper.

Chief Hospital Corpsman William Triplett, enlisted command equal opportunity leader, said the survey is important because it allows everyone to voice major concerns.

‘‘After the [results are in], the team as a whole will review every response and create a plan of action,” Triplett said. ‘‘The team will look at ways to improve and find solutions to problems.”

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Kristina West, the command training team leader, said that informing all staff members will help ensure everyone is aware they have this unique opportunity to participate directly in NNMC policy.

‘‘It is a direct line of communication to the admiral,” West said.

The survey is something more than an anonymous vehicle, Nathan said. It allows staff members to say what they want. Participants can write comments and the command staff will read every one.

‘‘We take this [survey] very seriously,” Nathan said.

The survey will gauge how peoples lives are affected by working at NNMC, Nathan said. Discovering what the staff likes and dislikes about the organization is a necessity because, without these comments, the command cannot make positive changes.

‘‘If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem,” Nathan said. ‘‘Help us make that solution.”

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Steven Brooks, a volunteer at the cake cutting ceremony, said the survey is important to for everyone to express their opinions.

‘‘The survey even covers issues like parking,” Brooks said. ‘‘It’s important the command knows what’s good, what’s not good and to get everyone’s opinion on these issues.”

Mike Jones, special assistant to the director for administration and human resources at NNMC, volunteered to participate in the review committee, said she agrees with the significance of the survey.

‘‘The admiral was sincere when he said that the [survey] was only way to understand what is happening within the command,” Jones said. ‘‘The staff needs to tell the command their feelings and concerns.”

The survey ends Nov. 13 and results available early next year.