Equipping Direct-Care Nurses to Lead Wellness Projects

Abstract

Increased rates of direct care nurse burnout and stress levels and decreased physical and mental health have led many health care organizations to prioritize well-being programs to address these issues. Seldom are direct care nurses with the first-hand knowledge and innovative ideas necessary to design successful wellbeing initiatives tapped to lead these changes. At a midwestern health care system, direct care nurses were given protected time, project management education and tools, and nurse leader coaching to lead engaging wellness initiatives. Nurse leader coaching was shown to make a pivotal difference in project success.