Throughout the pandemic, nursing leaders at Pennsylvania Hospital have shared wellness resources, created a Wall of Gratitude, and even distributed aromatherapy towelettes, all in an effort to alleviate burnout and help their staff engage in self-care. But perhaps the most popular initiative has been the simplest: Getting staff out of the hospital and into the fresh air for a much-needed break.
Even on the chilliest days, Chief Nursing Officer Elizabeth (Betty) Craig, DNP, RN, and Annelies Wood, MSN, a clinical nurse in PAH’s Intensive Care Nursery and chair of the Nursing Shared Governance Council, encourage their colleagues to lace up their walking shoes and meet for a quick, refreshing walk through Washington Square. Wood also secured a donation of hundreds of pairs of colorful socks from Bombas, so walkers get an extra prize for prioritizing their well-being.
Reflecting on the anxiety and change that have characterized the last year, Craig noted, “Our staff are extremely resilient, but they also need to take care of themselves. Walking for even just 20 minutes can provide balance. Every walk starts with an icebreaker like ‘Two Truths and a Lie,’ and it has been really fun watching staff get to know colleagues they may never have had the chance to connect with before.”
In addition to the weekly walks, Craig also aims to cultivate connections by hosting monthly “Breakfasts with Betty.” After briefly discussing a timely update, she opens the floor to participants to share their team’s triumphs, ask questions, and voice concerns. For example, when a patient care technician flagged that there wasn’t a council for techs like there were for nurses and unit secretaries, the nursing leaders were able to take swift action and create one.
“I am looking forward to more opportunities for staff to give me feedback and sharing their ideas,” she said. “Continually challenging ourselves to come up with new, innovative ways to support our staff really fosters our team development.”