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DiversityNursing Blog

The Profound Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness in Nursing

Posted by Alana Bergin

Mon, Sep 25, 2023 @ 01:29 PM

A Nurse’s life requires a level of selflessness and compassion that is incomparable to most, if not all, other careers. In this demanding and fast-paced world, where caregivers are faced with numerous challenges and responsibilities, the practice of mindfulness has emerged as a valuable tool for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Mindfulness, rooted in ancient meditation practices, involves cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. Millions of employees in all career categories and positions are currently practicing mindfulness. In recent years, its incorporation into Nursing practice has demonstrated remarkable benefits, enhancing patient care, reducing burnout, and fostering a more compassionate and effective healthcare environment.

Enhanced Patient Care

Mindfulness in Nursing has a direct positive impact on patient care. When Nurses practice mindfulness, they become attuned to the present moment, allowing them to be fully present with their patients. By actively listening, observing, and engaging without judgment, Nurses can create a deeper connection with patients. This connection fosters a sense of trust and empathy, which are crucial elements in effective patient care.

Mindfulness also contributes to clinical decision-making. When Nurses are fully present, they can better assess patients' needs and conditions, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Furthermore, mindful Nurses tend to notice subtle changes in patients' conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed, potentially preventing complications or deterioration.

Reduced Burnout and Stress

Nursing is undoubtedly a high-stress profession, accompanied by long shifts, critical decisions, and emotionally charged situations. Mindfulness practices offer Nurses valuable tools to manage and reduce these stressors. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone, leading to decreased anxiety and burnout.

Through mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, practicing muscle relaxation, and meditation, Nurses can activate the body's relaxation response, promoting a sense of calm even in the midst of chaotic situations. This not only benefits Nurses' mental and emotional well-being but also helps them maintain their focus, clarity, and resilience, which are essential for providing quality patient care.

Cultivation of Compassion and Empathy

Mindfulness fosters compassion and empathy – qualities that are fundamental to Nursing practice. By practicing self-compassion, Nurses learn to be kind and understanding toward themselves, even when facing challenges or mistakes. This self-compassion extends naturally to patients, as Nurses become more attuned to their emotions and needs. This heightened empathy can significantly improve the patient experience, making them feel understood, cared for, and respected.

Incorporating mindfulness into their routines also enables Nurses to better navigate emotionally charged situations. They can respond to patients' and families' emotions with patience and understanding, rather than reacting impulsively. This emotional regulation creates a more supportive environment for everyone involved.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nursing, the integration of mindfulness practices holds immense promise. From enhancing patient care to reducing burnout and stress, cultivating compassion and empathy, and improving communication, the benefits of mindfulness in Nursing are undeniable. By adopting mindfulness techniques, Nurses can create a more holistic, patient-centered, and empathetic healthcare environment. With hundreds of mobile apps and programs, practicing mindfulness has now become easier than ever.  As mindfulness continues to gain recognition, its incorporation into Nursing education and practice stands to elevate the quality of care and the well-being of both Nurses and their patients.

Topics: mental health, mindfulness, mindful

Combating Depression and Suicide in Nursing

Posted by Ryanna Brown

Tue, Sep 19, 2023 @ 01:40 PM

Depression and suicide are significant concerns in the field of Nursing, and it is crucial that we address these issues head-on. The mental health of Nurses plays a vital role not only in their own well-being but also in the quality of care they provide to their patients. The demanding nature of the profession, coupled with the high-stress environments they work in, can contribute to the development of depression.

Long hours, emotional strain, and exposure to traumatic situations can take a toll on a Nurse's mental health. The constant pressure to perform at their best, coupled with the responsibility of caring for the lives of others, can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and despair. It is essential we recognize the signs of depression and suicidal ideation in Nurses and provide them with the necessary support they need. 

During Suicide Prevention Month (September), we have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and take steps to support Nurses who may be struggling. It is important to note that suicide prevention efforts in Nursing should not be limited to a single month. Continued advocacy and support for Nurses' mental health should be ongoing priorities. 

Here are some key points to consider:

Prevalence of Depression in Nursing: Nurses often work in high-stress environments, and the demands of the profession can contribute to the development of depression. Long hours, emotional strain, and exposure to traumatic situations can all take a toll on a Nurse's mental health.

Studies have shown that Nurses are at a higher risk of developing depression compared to the general population. 

Furthermore, the pressure to provide the best possible care adds an additional layer of stress. They are responsible for the lives and well-being of their patients, and any mistakes or perceived failures can weigh heavily on their conscience. This constant pressure to perform at their best can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and ultimately contribute to the development of depression. 

Suicide Risk: Nurses, like many healthcare professionals, may be at a higher risk of suicide due to the stress and emotional toll of their work. It's crucial to recognize the signs of depression and suicidal ideation in Nurses and provide them with appropriate support.

Awareness and Education: Healthcare organizations and institutions can focus on educating Nurses and other healthcare professionals about the signs of depression and suicide risk. Training programs and resources should be made available to help staff identify these issues in themselves and their colleagues. 

Warning signs

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

Talk- If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having no reason to live
  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Unbearable pain


Behavior- Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Isolating from family and friends
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue


Mood- People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation/Shame
  • Agitation/Anger
  • Relief/Sudden Improvement

Destigmatizing Mental Health: Reducing the stigma around mental health is essential in Nursing and healthcare in general. Nurses should feel comfortable seeking help for depression or suicidal thoughts without fear of professional repercussions.

Support Systems: Healthcare institutions should establish support systems, including access to mental health services, counseling, and peer support programs. Providing these resources can make a significant difference in helping Nurses cope with the challenges of their profession.

Workplace Stress Reduction: Hospitals and healthcare organizations should also focus on reducing workplace stressors where possible. This can include implementing strategies to manage Nurse-patient ratios, providing adequate breaks, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Encourage Self-Care: Nurses should be encouraged to prioritize self-care and seek ways to manage their stress outside of work. This may involve activities like exercise, mindfulness, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Check-Ins and Communication: Supervisors and colleagues should regularly check in with their Nursing staff and create an open and supportive environment where they can discuss their mental health concerns without judgment.

Access to Crisis Hotlines: Ensure that Nurses are aware of and have access to crisis hotlines and mental health resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or text 988.

Continued Advocacy: Suicide prevention efforts should not be limited to a single month. Continued advocacy and support for Nurses' mental health should be an ongoing priority.

It's crucial to remember Nurses play a vital role in patient care, and their well-being is closely tied to the quality of care they provide. Addressing depression and suicide is not only a matter of supporting healthcare professionals, but also ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.

Topics: mental health, depression, suicide, Nurse suicide, Suicide in Nursing, mental health awareness, mental health nursing

Mental Health Self Care Checklist and Resources for Nurses

Posted by Diversity Nursing

Sat, May 06, 2023 @ 09:39 AM

GettyImages-1359149467May is mental health awareness month, a time to raise awareness and promote education about mental health, as well as reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Did you know, 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health condition in a given year?
 
Self-care is essential for Nurses to maintain their well-being and improve their mental health so they can provide the best possible care for their patients. Here's a checklist for Nurses looking to begin their self-care journey :

  • Get enough sleep: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
  • Exercise regularly: Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
  • Take breaks: Take short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge.
  • Practice mindfulness: Try incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, such as deep breathing or meditation.
  • Connect with colleagues: Connect with colleagues who understand the challenges of being a Nurse. You can talk to them about work-related stress and share coping strategies.
  • Seek professional help: If you're struggling with your mental health, seek professional help from a mental health provider. This can be a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
  • Use employee assistance programs: Many healthcare organizations offer employee assistance programs that provide confidential counseling and support services.
  • Set boundaries: It's important to set boundaries and say no to additional responsibilities if you're feeling overwhelmed.
  • Pursue hobbies and interests: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing a hobby.
  • Take care of your physical appearance: Dress in clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident, and take pride in your appearance.
  • Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for, whether it's a supportive colleague, a successful patient outcome, or simply the beauty of nature.

Resources

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer EAPs that provide free, confidential counseling services to employees.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers support groups, educational resources, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA offers a national helpline, treatment referral service, and resources for mental health and substance abuse disorders.
  • Crisis Text Line: This free, 24/7 text messaging service provides support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Mindfulness apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Remember, self-care is an ongoing process, and it's important to make it a priority in your life. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to care for your patients and thrive in your career as a Nurse.

Topics: mental health, nurses, self-care, mental health awareness, stressed nurses, nurses mental health

A Career In Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Wed, Jul 13, 2022 @ 10:47 AM

GettyImages-1317092006While physical health is undoubtedly important, so is Mental Health. Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness each year. Psychiatric Nurses have the specialized knowledge and skills needed to treat these illnesses. 

According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), Psychiatric Nurses make up the second largest group of behavioral health professionals in the U.S.

In the United States, suicide is a leading cause of death and in 2020, about:

  • 1 in 5 American adults experienced a Mental Health issue
  • 1 in 6 young people experienced a major depressive episode
  • 1 in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

The pandemic has increased the need for Mental Health care. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the percentage of adults with recent symptoms of an anxiety or a depressive disorder increased from 36.4% to 41.5% from August 2020 to February 2021.  

There is a dire need for more Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs).

More than 75% of all U.S. counties have a shortage of Mental Health professionals and almost all counties have an unmet need for Psychiatrists.

Mental Health Nurses work in a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient work settings, either as a specialty position or in primary care. Some job opportunities include military care, forensics, private practices, clinics, community health centers, public health facilities, schools, substance abuse centers, senior centers, hospice, rehabilitation services, telehealth and case management.

The day to day duties of PMHNs include:

  • Conducting an assessment of a patient’s status
  • Conducting intake screenings, initial evaluation, and triage
  • Providing nursing care following a treatment plan
  • Administering medication and/or other treatment regimens
  • Teaching patients self-care activities
  • Engaging in crisis intervention and situation stabilization (when necessary)
  • Educating patients on how to manage their condition
  • Providing education to patients’ families and communities
  • Working efficiently alongside other members of an interdisciplinary team

“It’s a very rewarding field. As a Psychiatric health care provider, you may be the first person to talk to someone about why they are in crisis, and that can be a humbling experience," said Emma Mangano, DNP, PMHNP at Johns Hopkins Hospital

Some essential traits of a Mental Health Nurse include:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Good Communication
  • Empathy
  • Reliability 
  • Confidence
  • Compassion

The salary of a PMHN depends on their level of experience and the amount of specialized training they have undergone. According to Indeed, the average Mental Health Nurse's salary in the U.S. is $87,156.

A career in Mental Health Nursing can be demanding, but it is extremely rewarding.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Windi Woods, says that the best part of the job is “knowing that this team is the end of the road for most of these patients and we give them hope." 

Topics: mental health, nursing career, mental health nursing, psychiatric mental health nurse, behavioral health, Psychiatric Nurses, mental health nurse

Hospitals Healing With Art Therapy Programs

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Tue, Jul 05, 2022 @ 02:28 PM

GettyImages-1215146649Art therapy is a growing trend throughout hospitals in the United States. Art therapy is an evidenced-based practice that supports the emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being of patients of all ages through the therapeutic use of art-making. 

These programs use a wide range of outlets such as drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, and photography as tools to:

  • Process feelings about a new diagnosis 
  • Provide a sense of control through normalizing activities to help them adjust to hospitalization and/or illness
  • Cause relaxation and reduction of anxiety
  • Rebuild self-esteem
  • Help manage pain
  • Support groups of patients with similar diagnosis
  • Support siblings and family members in caring for their loved one in the hospital
  • And more!

Childrens National Hospital uses trained art therapists who offer resources like nature art therapy in the Healing Garden and gallery displays to give children the opportunity to express themselves through creative activities. They are also a Beads of Courage member hospital.

The University of Florida Shands Hospital arts in medicine program started small back in 1990. Jill Sonke, an artist at the hospital said, "No one is suggesting in arts and health that the arts can replace medicine or health care or other therapies or interventions. But the arts have a place in the sphere of whole person care. There's so many ways in which the arts can address things like loneliness and social isolation."

Not every hospital has an in-house art program, many bring in outside help from organizations such as, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) or the Caring Arts Foundation Program.

MFA Artful Healing offers art-making activities for children, teens, young adults, and their families in Boston-area hospitals and healthcare centers. The MFA currently provides off-site workshops at Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

A Parent at Boston Children's Hospital said, "We’ve been here more than ten times in the last two weeks . . . but this is the first time I’ve seen my son smiling. Thank you for that!”

The Caring Arts Foundation Program uses professional photographers to take portraits of patients and their families at Lurie Children’s Hospital. They provide fun wardrobes and props. A common area in the hospital is transformed into a studio with lighting and backdrops. Parents are provided with a full set of photos of their child at no cost — a priceless keepsake. These photo sessions give patients and their families a break from cancer treatment while providing lasting memories. 

The use of the arts can help not only patients cope with traumatic events but also hospital staff. For example, immediately after the September 11th terrorist attack, artists were deployed to New York City schools by ArtCares to help children express and address their emotions of having witnessed the horrific event. The same idea can be used for frontline healthcare workers who have experienced trauma throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Cedars-Sinai created an art exhibit with artwork made by their employees. Art pieces were made by Nurses, Doctors, Scientists, Pharmacists, Data analysts and more! Many participants were fueled with creativity from their experiences during the pandemic.

John Lange, Manager of Art Curation at Cedars-Sinai said, "A few of them are literal translations of what their experience with COVID-19 was—or maybe it is a painting of a Nurse with their mask on and things like that—while for others, the pandemic was the catalyst for them to start making work for the first time, or to revisit and make more art."

Creating art is just as important as treating patients in an environment filled with art. 

The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles teamed up with the nonprofit RxART to transform their 207-foot-long hallway into a magical forest. 

rxart-nicolas-party-childrens-hospital-los-angeles

“It’s been a privilege to think about how artwork can make a difference in the context of a children’s hospital. The colorful forest I painted for this long corridor will hopefully do a little to make this experience a bit more tolerable," said Swiss artist Nicolas Party.

With all of the positive effects art has on mental health and cognitive functions, we are excited to see more health systems implementing these types of art programs.  

Topics: mental health, hospital art, art therapy program, art therapy, hospital art therapy, art programs

Cultural Mental Healthcare Disparities

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Wed, Feb 02, 2022 @ 11:39 AM

GettyImages-1308910334There are large disparities in mental healthcare across races and ethnicities in the U.S. Many factors contribute to the poor mental health outcomes of minority populations. Such as:

  • Inaccessible mental healthcare services
  • Transportation issues, difficulty finding childcare/taking time off work
  • Lacking health insurance coverage
  • Cultural stigma regarding mental healthcare
  • The lack of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) healthcare professionals
  • Racism, bias, and discrimination in healthcare
  • Language barriers

African Americans develop mental health conditions at a similar rate as the general population however, they are less likely to seek care. 

Statistics tell us that about 25% of African Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40% of whites.

Only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care receive it, according to the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Mental Health Facts for African Americans guide. 

Research shows American Indian/Alaska Native populations have disproportionately higher rates of mental health problems than the general population.

The overall death rate from suicide for American Indian/Alaska Native adults is about 20% higher compared to the non-Hispanic white population.

In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for American Indian/Alaska Natives between the ages of 10 and 34. 

According to Mental Health America (MHA), Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are the least likely racial group in the U.S. to seek mental health services.

Findings from the National Latino and Asian American Study also found that 17.3% of Asian Americans will be diagnosed with a psychiatric condition at some point in their lifetime.

The APA Mental Health Facts for Hispanics and Latinos/as guide reported Hispanics are at lower risk of most psychiatric disorders compared with non-Hispanic whites.

Also Hispanics are more likely to report poor communication with their health provider. Several studies have found that bilingual patients are evaluated differently when interviewed in English as opposed to Spanish and that Hispanics are more frequently undertreated.

It will take enormous effort to reduce disparities in the U.S. In order to achieve mental health equity we must improve access, hire more multicultural providers, offer better insurance coverage, and provide education surrounding stigma and misconceptions.

Resources

African American Mental Health Providers

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective

Inclusive Therapists

Therapy for Black Men

The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association

Find an Asian Therapist

Center for Traditional Medicine

One Sky Center

Indian Health Service

American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry

Therapy for LatinX

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

National Institute of Mental Health brochures and fact sheets

Podcasts

Homecoming Podcast

All My Relations Podcast

The Melanated Social Work Podcast

Between Sessions Podcast

The Full Well Podcast

MannMukti: Mental Health Podcast

Asian Mental & Emotional Health Podcasts

Latinx Therapy Podcast

The Latinx Mental Health Podcast

Topics: mental health, minority mental health, cultural mental health disparities, mental health disparities

Chief Wellness Officer - More Healthcare Organizations Are Adding CWO’s To Their C-Suite

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Fri, Oct 08, 2021 @ 03:06 PM

wellnessEven before the pandemic, healthcare providers experienced burnout and other negative mental health issues. Now more than ever, it is critical health systems take steps to support their staff's well-being.

Recently, more healthcare organizations have started to hire Chief Wellness Officers (CWO), as a strategy to address burnout, mental health, and compassion fatigue.

Jonathan Ripp MD, MPH, Chief Wellness Officer at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said there were only a handful of Chief Wellness Officer positions when he was appointed to the role in May 2018. “There has been at least a dozen more who have been named in the past year, and several more places that are looking to create the position,” said Dr. Ripp. “I would not be surprised if, 10 years from now, it's commonplace for most large organizations to have a Chief Wellness Officer or equivalent, taking this challenge on, and doing so in a way that is effective.”

The ultimate goal of this role is to aid system-wide changes that enable staff to practice in a culture that prioritizes and promotes mental health and well-being.

The CWO is responsible for measuring well-being across their organization. Then, they create and implement wellness programs that address the current environment causing burnout and stress.

The hiring of a CWO is not a remedy all on its own. The CWO works in collaboration with other leaders and staff to prioritize well-being and would ultimately lower costs and improve patient care.

According to Beckers Hospital Review, burnout and depression result in major costs to health systems due to an increase in medical errors, reduced quality of care, and turnover. Research has found that for every dollar invested in wellness, hospitals can see a $3 to $6 return on investment.

Medical Schools are also following the hiring trend.

According to Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, medical students are more likely to experience burnout and depression than peers on different career paths. To confront the challenge head-on, they appointed their first Chief Wellness Officer, Dr. Kelly Holder.

Holder said, "Mental and emotional wellness is essential to complete health. We simply cannot ignore this fact. I view my role as another way to serve the students, faculty and physicians in Brown’s medical school, and aid them in not just meeting their immediate self-care needs but also creating and developing plans that can help them learn more about how to take care of themselves in a way that's sustainable for a profession that demands a lot."

“Wellness and self-care is more important than ever before. These next few years will be critical for health care workers as we address the mental and physical burdens from COVID-19,” said George Washington University's Chief Wellness Officer, Lorenzo Norris, MD.

Hopefully this position sticks around, even after the pandemic passes, because burnout and mental health have been issues in the healthcare field all along.

Topics: mental health, compassion fatigue, burnout, hospitals, Nurse burnout, healthcare organizations, frontline workers, front line workers mental health, compassion fatigue in nursing, C-Suite, Chief Wellness Officers, CWO

Hospitals Seeing Increase In Children and Teen Suicide Attempts

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Mon, Jun 07, 2021 @ 03:31 PM

mentalhealth-1Hospitals are seeing more cases of severe depression and suicidal thoughts among children, particularly attempts to overdose. 

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the way children and teens learn, play and socialize. Many studies found forced isolation and loneliness among children correlated with an increased risk of depression.

Children’s Hospital Colorado, declared a "State of Emergency" in youth mental health. Jena Hausmann, CEO said, "It has been devastating to see suicide become the leading cause of death for Colorado’s children." 

According to the CDC, the proportion of children who arrived in emergency departments with mental health issues increased 24% from March through October 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. Among preteens and adolescents, it rose by 31%. 

Matthew Davis, MD, MAPP, Chair of the Department of Medicine at Lurie Children’s, emphasized the need for accessible, affordable mental health care for pediatric patients has greatly increased because of the pandemic. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 parents said they were unable to access  mental or behavioral health care for their child at some point, most often because they could not find a specialty provider, they could not afford it, or they could not get an appointment in a timely fashion.

Some hospitals like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Ohio report running at full capacity and having more children “boarding,” or sleeping in EDs before being admitted to the psychiatric unit. 

Terrie Andrews, a Psychologist and Administrator of behavioral health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Florida said, "Up to 25 children have been held on surgical floors while waiting for a spot to open in the inpatient psychiatric unit. Their wait could last as long as five days."

Hospitals are not only seeing a higher volume of patients, but these patients have more intense illnesses.

Dr. Jennifer Downs, a pediatric psychiatrist at Connecticut Children’s said, “Instead of seeing kids who are saying, ‘I’m thinking about suicide,’ we’re seeing kids who have had attempts. Instead of seeing kids who are maybe brought in because of parents who feel that they’re verbally out of control, yelling, screaming, saying awful things, we’re seeing kids who are having physical aggression.”

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, if you notice any of the following symptoms in your children, be sure to contact your child’s Physician as soon as possible:

– unusual changes in mood, such as ongoing irritability, feelings of hopelessness or rage, and frequent conflicts with friends and family
– changes in behavior, such as stepping back from personal relationships
– a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
– a hard time falling or staying asleep, or starting to sleep all the time
– changes in appetite, weight, or eating patterns
– problems with memory, thinking, or concentration
– less interest in schoolwork and drop in academic effort
– changes in appearance, such as lack of basic personal hygiene
– an increase in risky or reckless behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol

If you have contemplated suicide or someone you know has talked about it, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or use the online Lifeline Chat, both available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Topics: mental health, depression, children, teens, suicide, attempted suicide, overdose

Creative Ways Hospitals Are Supporting Nurses Mental Health

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Wed, May 12, 2021 @ 02:41 PM

nursestressBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, Nursing was known to be a stressful profession. There was plenty of data showing burnout to be a significant problem among US Nurses.

With increasing stress placed on front line Nurses during this pandemic, hospitals are investing in initiatives and programs to support the mental health of these employees.

Mount Sinai Health System, created recharge rooms for healthcare workers. Dr. Putrino and his team created multi-sensory experiences that can reduce stress in just 15 minutes. These rooms are filled with faux plants and candles, illuminated with calming lights and one wall displays relaxing scenes and sounds. Slider5-Episode38-Recharge-750x400Putrino said, "Listen, what we need is a space or a series of spaces where our healthcare workers can sit down and for just a moment have a lot of their stress just relieved and taken away from them."

Stony Brook Medicine used a similar idea when creating a respite room called "Resilience at the Brook." The large, peaceful area features plants, calming wall art, a pod for private mediation, and relaxing materials, such as coloring books and miniature Zen gardens, to help employees rejuvenate. Employees can also add encouraging messages and quotes to inspire each other on the Motivation Mural Wall.

CharminOhio State University Medical Center (OSUMC) Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Program uses the Buckeye Paws program. A group of certified therapy dogs visit to provide comfort and emotional support to healthcare staff.

Emily Fawcett, R.N., a float Nurse on all floors at Lenox Hill hospital, started "hope huddles." Hope huddles are held at the beginning of shift changes and Nurses gather together to share news of patients recovering and other inspiring, and even humorous, stories.

Cody Regional Health created a wellness area for employees. The new space, staffed 24/7, includes a meditation room, eight bedrooms with private bathrooms, laundry and shower facilities, on-site access to licensed therapists for emotional support, puzzles and games, and an exercise area to meet employees’ needs.

Elise Phelan, a surgical unit Charge Nurse at UCHealth created the Resilience Program. Phelan would bring in massage therapists, movement therapists, yoga instructors, nutritionists and sometimes therapy puppies.

Code Lavender began in 2008 with Earl Bakken at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Calling the code signals to the Code Lavender team that an individual or group of individuals are in need of emergency psychological assistance.

Many hospitals like Cleveland Clinic have started implementing this code. The Code Lavender team usually comprises representatives from the spiritual care and healing services departments, and other hospital-based support services (such as employee assistance, music therapy, wellness, the ethics consultation service, and art therapy), and volunteers.
Code-Lavender

Bayhealth offers staff Code Lavender Kits. Kits include a back massager, aromatherapy inhalers, LED candles, a sound machine, Code Lavender journals, and a tote to store everything in.

It's very clear there is a need for this kind of support and innovation. The well-being and morale of front line workers should remain a top priority even after the pandemic.

Topics: mental health, mental health nursing, front line workers mental health, mental health support programs, nurses mental health

Health Care Workers Are Facing a Mental Health Crisis During The COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted by Erica Bettencourt

Tue, May 05, 2020 @ 11:25 AM

mentalhealthMany Nurses and Doctors said in interviews with TIME, that fighting COVID-19 is making them feel more dedicated to their chosen career, and determined to persevere and help their patients. But, many also said they were struggling with negative feelings.

Healthcare workers are afraid of spreading the virus to their families, frustrated about the lack of PPE, and feel they can’t do enough for their patients. First responders are tired from long shifts, and are extremely sad for their dying patients, of which many are passing away alone. This is heartbreaking.

Dr. Jay Kaplan, an emergency room Physician and wellness specialist at LCMC Health system in New Orleans, lets his staff know they aren't alone. He listens as Nurses and Doctors share their fears and problems.

Kaplan tells them it’s okay to get sad or angry over the coronavirus. He reads them his poems. He shares that one day he came home and cried to his wife because he was  overwhelmed by the rate of dying patients.

“We need to break the culture of silence and let people know it’s okay not to have it all together all the time,” he said.

Kaplan’s “wellness visits” are a key strategy in preventing healthcare workers from spiraling into depression and post-traumatic stress disorder during the pandemic. Many hospitals across the U.S. are launching similar initiatives.

Mount Sinai hospitals in New York City ramped up initiatives, such as a 24/7 mental health crisis line and one-on-one counseling. It also launched a wellness and resilience center that will track staffers' mental health long term.

Dr. Deborah B. Marin, Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Director of the new center said,  “This multi-disciplinary center will consider the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of our entire health care community, including those on the frontline and in supporting roles. Working closely with every department across the health system, our aim is to not only address  but to also prevent the development of mental health issues before they occur by intervening early, offering resilience training and treatment for every health care working in need. It’s important that we launch now as this crisis continues to evolve and take a toll on our community.”

Several healthcare workers in the TIME interviews said, among all the uncertainty and fear, they have found some relief in support from their families, communities, and one another.

We’re offering this article during Nurses Week as a reminder to all to be as patient, kind and loving to our Nurses, Healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store employees and all the people out there working to keep us safe. Thank you!

Topics: mental health, first responders, mental health nursing, COVID-19, coronavirus, healthcare workers

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