UCLA Health Nursing’s wellness program emphasizes self-care and collaboration among nurses, with initiatives, programs and events that allow nurses the opportunity to relax, reset and reinvigorate their passion for their work. Primary among the offerings is Reigniting the Spirit of Caring (RSC), a three-day virtual workshop designed to give participants insights into how to nurture the three relationships identified by Relationship-Based Care: themselves, their patients and families and their colleagues.
Facilitated by nurse educators and clinical nurses, RSC is open to nurses, clinical caregivers and other interdisciplinary colleagues. The program is offered 14 times a year, including two sessions focused on guiding leaders on their journey to care for their staff, as well as themselves, to create a healthy work environment.
“Reigniting the Spirit of Caring is designed to create a safe space and dedicated time to allow us to reconnect with our purpose for being in health care, to experience the healing power of relationships, give us time to reflect and to connect with folks from throughout the system and to help us recognize and honor the value and meaning of the work we do,” says Kelley Anderson, MSN-Ed, RN, NPD-BC, a nursing professional-development specialist.
Many participants report that after attending the workshop, they experienced a renewed sense of purpose for their work and a powerful bond with their colleagues.
“The most impactful thing for me was that feeling of being cared for,” says Liezl Meyer, BSN, RN, NC-BC. “In that space, you really feel like you get the time, the attention and the activities that are designed to get you to interact with your colleagues. Even though we don’t all work in the same department, we’re reminded that we’re not alone.”
Meyer, who now facilitates RSC workshops, says sharing with and learning from her colleagues has reinvigorated her passion for nursing. “We all have things that we know could improve our practice, but sometimes we don’t feel there’s anything we can do. But by the end of the workshop, you have your elevator pitch, a plan on how you’re going to bring it to the group. You’re on fire and excited to find people who will help you make it happen.”
Meyer adds the support from leadership is part of RSC’s success. “CNE Karen Grimley visits our workshops to share her support and to hear from our participants about their experience and ideas that have come up during our brainstorming. She is really invested in it, and the attendees really appreciate it,” she said.
Wellness by nurses, for nurses
In 2021, a research study was developed by a team of clinical co-investigators from the Professional Development Council’s Wellness Subcommittee and leaders from the Center for Nursing Excellence. Responses from more than 1,200 nurses guided several wellness interventions that continue to be rolled out across the health care system.
Highlights include:
- Rounding with the recently revamped PaUse Cart, which features self-affirmation mantras, hydration, massage tools and essential oils
- A massage-therapy program across units and shifts
- Launch of “A Safer U” initiative focused on promoting a safer, healthier work environment
Additionally, the Relax and Reset event in partnership with the Integrative Therapy Department has been expanded to twice a year, during Nurses Week in May and again in November. At that event, nurses and care partners can take part in meditation and receive reiki, aromatherapy, massages and sound baths performed by other nurses.
“It’s only 20 minutes, but nurses go from stress to bliss,” Meyer says.
What’s most meaningful about these wellness interventions, she adds, is that they are offered by nurses for nurses. And they are making a difference.
“It’s really about shifting the culture,” Meyer says. “Nurses feel like they always have to be on, but we really need to take that pause for self-care, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”
