Supporting nurse well-being is my mission. Through my work with Jim Helling we have developed a program to increase well-being by building resilience, Changing Minds, Changing Lives. Our evidence, from over a decade of pre and post surveys and qualitative analysis, consistently indicates the program:
+ Buffers stress
+ Focuses on strengths
+ Empowers agency
+ Boosts resilience
+ Creates connection
+ Restores morale
Our qualitative evidence describes:
1. Being honest and vulnerable, encourage strengths, hope and courage.
“Felt like an imposter, now, I will leave here today feeling stronger, less alone and more capable than I imagined just a few weeks ago. Change your Mind and Change your Life” “We all possess the skills to lead.”
“Breaking the loop of negative”
“Found my empathy again, making me a better, person, nurse, mother, friend.”
“From vulnerable to fulfillment and self-empowerment is beyond rewarding.”
“hearing the vulnerability of each and every one of you has given me a gift I could never repay.”
Loss, dig down and pull those emotions out. talk to myself like I would talk to a friend, helped me tremendously. helping me feel just a little safer
They find a well of inner strength, a spirit strong and pure.
For nurses are resilient, with hearts that never yield,
In the face of every challenge, their hope becomes their shield.
2. We are not alone, we are connected through our writing and sharing our stories in an accepting, welcoming environment
All carry baggage
I am not stronger alone
Figure this out together
“talk to myself like I would talk to a friend, has helped me tremendously.”
“Who am I, but a collection of the people who have brushed by me, leaving behind little pieces of themselves.”
“I am from the land of the lost, longing for belonging.”
“ I can’t isolate myself, . Every week I knew I would have this time to talk with like-minded people.”
3. Remember relaxation and self-care.
“Soften and listen to my body.”
“Be kind to yourself.”
“ focus on self care, hope, resilience, positive self-soothing
techniques, meditations, and to put my thoughts down on paper”
“ When things get hard, my friends, family and you all have shown me that I
can fight through.”
With every breath, they center, grounding firmly in the now,
Balancing the chaos with a calm and steady vow.
Hope, a fragile ember, they nurture in their hearts,
A beacon in the darkest times, a light that never parts.
In the silence, they discover the strength to stand their ground.
What are people saying? Here are some of the experiences that nurses have shared about this program:
“I absolutely feel more resilient and better prepared to handle challenges and to help support the people that I work with, my family, and to take care of myself.” |
“Talking about and listening to challenges that we all have faced and how we all have overcome these reinforces how resilient we are.” |
“My mindset has shifted to strengths-based thinking. Before taking the course, I viewed myself as a “people pleaser” or that I was “too trusting.” Now I can see those as strengths. I believe in harmony, I am an includer. I thrive in relationships with others.” |
We offer the Changing Minds, Changing Lives course and train instructors. Check under the Events tab for the fall RN Resilience Retreat and the latest podcast that does a great job describing our experience.
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