How One Hospital Addressed Clinician Wellness During Crisis
By: American Nurses Association
For ANA Nursing Excellence Consultants like Mary Ann Donohue-Ryan, promoting clinician wellness and resilience are essential priorities, especially during times of crisis. In a recent case report in My American Nurse, Mary Ann details how a New Jersey hospital is supporting staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As cases escalated in New Jersey, leaders at Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains knew they needed new tools to support their front-line clinicians. Using evidence on the mental health impact and needs of front-line staff in China, they put together a plan to address those needs in their hospital. Strategies included daily rounding from a psychiatric APRN to assess and assist at-risk staff. For those in need, immediate psychological first aid was available, in addition to ongoing resources, support, and education. The hospital also appointed a “resiliency advocate” – a psychiatrist who serves as an integral part of the wellness team.1
Utilizing telehealth and digital resources were key aspects of the plan. Crisis intervention was available virtually, as well as numerous digital wellness resources provided in collaboration with the health system’s Wellness Center. Using both virtual and in-person resources helped ensure all staff had access to what they needed when they needed it.
Channeling Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, nurses held daily “Touch Your Heart” huddles to highlight the “caring moments” between staff and patients.2 These huddles also enabled leaders and staff to discuss critical issues, share key information, and remind everyone of the resources available.
To read the full article and learn more about the strategies used, click here.
Nursing Excellence Consultants like Mary Ann have real-time experience helping nurse leaders support staff on the front lines. Learn how our consultants can help you create a plan to address the needs and challenges your organization is facing right now. During COVID, we are offering free consultation sessions for nurse leaders. Get started now.
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1 Mary Donohue-Ryan, Maureen Schneider, “Supporting staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case report” American Nurse. June 2, 2020. https://www.myamericannurse.com/supporting-staff-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-a-case-report/
2 Donohue-Ryan, Schneider. “Supporting staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case report.”
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