On the 4/5 South unit in the Medical-Surgical Services Division of the Department of Nursing, staff well-being is a daily priority. After applying for a Wellness Grant submitted by Kara Wakeland, Assistant Nurse Manager and liveWELL Wellness Ambassador, the unit expanded its efforts to support employees through simple, meaningful resources that encourage connection, self-care, and support during challenging moments at work.
Making Well-Being Part of Daily Work
Leadership on the unit plays an active role in promoting well-being. Wellness conversations are included in monthly Unit Practice Council meetings, giving staff a chance to discuss challenges, recognize successes, and share ideas that support health and well-being.
A wellness bulletin board in the break room provides newsletters, resource information, and reminders about available support. These simple touchpoints help keep well-being visible and encourage staff to stay connected to resources.
Creating a Recharge Space
Using support from a liveWELL Wellness Grant, the unit launched the Recharge Kit initiative. The kits were created to provide comfort and support following stressful or traumatic events.
Each kit contains items such as affirmation cards, a stress ball, mindfulness exercises, and a wellness resource flyer. The goal is to offer a brief opportunity for staff to pause, recharge, and focus on self-care when needed.
Recharge Kits are available through a dedicated Wellness Corner in the break room. Access is provided to management and selected wellness champions who support peer well-being and help ensure access at all times. Charge nurses, assistant nurse managers, and wellness ambassadors can distribute kits after stressful events or when staff request additional support.
Supporting Staff and Strengthening Connections
Since the initiative was introduced, staff have shared positive feedback about having a simple way to step back, reset, and focus on their well-being. Team members have also reported greater opportunities for peer support, debriefing, and connection.
“Staff report that the recharge kit, when paired with a brief break away from the unit, has been helpful in supporting recovery after stressful situations.”
- Kara Wakeland
The initiative has supported employees across multiple disciplines, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, housekeeping, and social work. Leadership presence on the unit has also helped reinforce a culture where taking short breaks and checking in with coworkers is encouraged.
Educating new staff about available resources and maintaining wellness champions on the unit have helped sustain these positive outcomes throughout the year.
Want to support your team’s well-being? Apply to become a Wellness Ambassador and access tools and resources to help create a healthy, positive workplace.