Overview: In the Introduction to Nursing and Transitions to Nursing courses, five weekly PowerPoint modules are employed to delve into the five pillars of health and self-care. Each session commences with a 15-minute discussion on wellness, succeeded by the provision of strategies for incorporating these practices into the students' lives. Through anonymous participation tracking, students are encouraged to engage with and reflect on their wellness journey.
Promoting Wellness Early: Shifting the Culture to Embrace Self-Care in Nursing
Self-Care Meditation PPT
Modules:
Overview: Real-life scenarios are presented to prompt critical thinking and discussion among students. These cases encompass a wide range of patient care, ethical dilemmas, and professional interactions. Students are urged to dissect behaviors, identify issues, and reflect on their responses, thereby fostering empathy and ethical decision-making skills.
Overview: The program produced two videos/presentations for students, which were showcased during classes. These videos will also be shared with our practice partners. The topics covered in these presentations include:
Video - Unity Consciousness & Holistic Self Care Practices, Rev. Janet Hand, MS, RN
Video - Mindful Self and Patient Care and Presence, Dr. Sue Penque, RN
Overview: During Nurses' Week, the program celebrated the theme of self-care, wellness, and resilience. One of the highlights was a presentation by Dr. Jean Watson, whose expertise in nursing science resonated deeply with students.
Implementation: The Nurses' Week celebration, with its wellness and self-care theme, featured various activities such as yoga classes, chair massages, guided meditations, and the provision of healthy snacks. This emphasis underscored the importance of prioritizing wellness within the nursing profession. Additionally, the program organized a job fair for Leadership Concepts in collaboration with practice partners. This event provided students with valuable information on new graduate programs, opportunities for interviews, and connections with leadership figures, fostering one-to-one interactions and professional networking opportunities.
For more details on these events, please refer to the following resources:
Stress Reduction with Aromatherapy: The program secured a location in the Simulation Lab for students to pick up free lavender patches prior to exams or anytime they feel they would benefit from aromatherapy. Additionally, lavender patches are available in the university center's meditation room for all students on campus.
Collaboration with Headspace: Adelphi University has collaborated with Headspace, offering students free access to the app. This app provides relaxation techniques and helps manage stress. All students in the Introduction to Nursing course and senior students were encouraged to sign up for the app.
Wellness Breaks: The program discussed “wellness breaks” at all faculty meetings and now have them as part of faculty meetings. To date, 10 faculty are using wellness breaks during classes. Here are some items to consider:
The introduction of wellness breaks during classes was also presented to the University Senate to share this best practice outside the College of Nursing and Public Health with the entire Adelphi Community. “We have really started to shift the culture at the University.”
Overview: With a cohort of 300, a structured approach integrating education and practical application is implemented.
Reading Assignment: Students must read "Building Resilience: A Key to Coping with Life's Challenges"
Discussion: After reading, students discuss importance of self-care for the novice nurse.
Assignment: Students develop Individual Resilience Plans using 4 Personal Protective factors.
Overview: All senior students were required to complete two ANA educational courses:
These courses provided valuable resources for enhancing ethical decision-making skills and promoting emotional and mental well-being among nursing professionals. The American Nurse Association website includes many resources and materials focused on ethics, burnout, and the work environment.
Overview: All students were required to complete at least one Harvard Bias test and submit a self-reflection. This was followed by classroom sharing and discussion, serving as a graded assignment. Access the test here: Harvard Bias Test.
Caution: Please do use the individual assessment of mindfulness carefully; students who have not yet integrated awareness practices as a component of their wellness strategies may find the results distressing.
Location: Garden City, NY
School Type: Private School
Practice Partners: NYU Langone, and Northwell Health
Faculty Contact: Deborah Ambrosio