Abstract
In alignment with literature findings and program data, RNs transitioning into a new specialty experienced heightened levels of stress and anxiety related to role transitions and changes in workplace settings. The integration of a structured, evidence-based wellness program would prioritize the mental health, well-being, and self-care of experienced nurses entering a new practice setting. NPD Practitioners collaborated with organizational subject matter experts to develop resources & curriculum for the Transition to Practice Specialty RN Program to reduce stressors and enhance a positive experience & transition. Wellness Huddles were designed and integrated into the TTP program to support RN personal and professional development as they evolve into effective clinicians, focusing on self-care, resiliency, and daily wellness habits. The wellness huddles integrated PTAP domains, ANA Scope & Standards, and Nursing Code of Ethics provisions. Discussions on wellness and resources were initiated during Program Orientation and continued throughout the entirety of the program. Monthly Wellness huddles showcased topics including guided meditation, finding purpose, mental health wellness, building sense of self and gratitude exercises. The Wellness Huddles and reflective sessions offer the RN fellows a secure, dedicated space to build resilience, enhance wellness, develop clinical nursing judgment, and foster professional growth and development. The RN fellows are empowered to identify stressors and provided with tools and micro-practices to support their mental health, wellness, self-care, and psychological safety on their fellowship journey. Based on pre and post evaluations, participants have reported a significant increase in the knowledge and skill adaptation of wellbeing and mental health. Many fellows have stated how important and meaningful the Wellness Huddles are for them and have shared ways in which they have put their learnings into personal and professional practice settings. These meaningful interventions comply with Sustainable Development Goals and highlight good health and wellbeing, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and partnership for goals. The addition of this evidence- based, structured, and standardized wellness program provide RNs dedicated time to enhance wellness and have shown an increase in retention, positive patient outcomes, increased peer-to-peer support, and a successful transition into practice.
Notes
References: Cunningham, T. (2022). Self-care during a single shift. American Nurse. https://www.myamericannurse.com/self-care-during-a-single-shift/
Hoegh, J., Rice, G., Shetty, S., Ure, A., Cogan, N., & Peddie, N. (2024). Health and social care professionals' experience of psychological safety within their occupational setting: a thematic synthesis scoping review protocol. COJ Nursing & Healthcare, 8(5), 915-920. https://doi.org/10.31031/COJNH.2024.08.000700
Linton, M. & Koonmen, J. (2020). Self-care as an ethical obligation for nurses. Nursing Ethics, 27(8): 1694-1702. doi:10.1177/0969733020940371
Jarden, R. J., Jarden, A., Weiland, T. J., Taylor, G., Bujalka, H., Brockenshire, N., & Gerdtz, M. F. (2021). New graduate nurse wellbeing, work wellbeing and mental health: A quantitative systematic review. International journal of nursing studies, 121, doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103997 103997
Sustainable Development Goals. (2024). The 17 goals. http://sdgus.un.org/goals
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Transition to practice or onboarding, Stress/Coping, Workforce
Recommended Citation
Lopez, Vanessa; Sekayan, Grace; and Dunbar, Ghada, "The Power of Wellness and Self-Care: Transforming Transition to Practice Programs" (2025). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 33.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2025/presentations_2025/33
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
The Power of Wellness and Self-Care: Transforming Transition to Practice Programs
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
In alignment with literature findings and program data, RNs transitioning into a new specialty experienced heightened levels of stress and anxiety related to role transitions and changes in workplace settings. The integration of a structured, evidence-based wellness program would prioritize the mental health, well-being, and self-care of experienced nurses entering a new practice setting. NPD Practitioners collaborated with organizational subject matter experts to develop resources & curriculum for the Transition to Practice Specialty RN Program to reduce stressors and enhance a positive experience & transition. Wellness Huddles were designed and integrated into the TTP program to support RN personal and professional development as they evolve into effective clinicians, focusing on self-care, resiliency, and daily wellness habits. The wellness huddles integrated PTAP domains, ANA Scope & Standards, and Nursing Code of Ethics provisions. Discussions on wellness and resources were initiated during Program Orientation and continued throughout the entirety of the program. Monthly Wellness huddles showcased topics including guided meditation, finding purpose, mental health wellness, building sense of self and gratitude exercises. The Wellness Huddles and reflective sessions offer the RN fellows a secure, dedicated space to build resilience, enhance wellness, develop clinical nursing judgment, and foster professional growth and development. The RN fellows are empowered to identify stressors and provided with tools and micro-practices to support their mental health, wellness, self-care, and psychological safety on their fellowship journey. Based on pre and post evaluations, participants have reported a significant increase in the knowledge and skill adaptation of wellbeing and mental health. Many fellows have stated how important and meaningful the Wellness Huddles are for them and have shared ways in which they have put their learnings into personal and professional practice settings. These meaningful interventions comply with Sustainable Development Goals and highlight good health and wellbeing, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and partnership for goals. The addition of this evidence- based, structured, and standardized wellness program provide RNs dedicated time to enhance wellness and have shown an increase in retention, positive patient outcomes, increased peer-to-peer support, and a successful transition into practice.
Description
Building an environment where psychological safety, resiliency, clinical competency, and self-care are nurtured and embedded into a Fellowship Specialty Transition to Practice Program to empower RN fellows in their transition to a new clinical practice setting.