Rewriting the Narrative: Empowering Healthcare Workers Through Storytelling and Posttraumatic Growth
Abstract
Background: Recognizing the impact of trauma on healthcare professionals, the Echoes of Nursing storytelling initiative fosters a culture of healing and resilience within the workplace. By providing a safe space for self-expression and narrative medicine techniques, this program empowers individuals to process challenging experiences and rediscover purpose in their work.
Methods: This mixed-methods pilot study, implemented across a 12-hospital system, utilized journaling workshops, story drafting, and coaching to facilitate self-expression and exploration. Coaches employed narrative medicine techniques like externalizing the problem, mapping, and re-authoring to empower individuals. Outcomes were measured using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Over two years, three coaches partnered with 80 storytellers, culminating in events with over 1000 attendees, including family, peers, and administrators. Post-event interviews informed thematic analysis.
Results: Storytelling fostered significant posttraumatic growth, with themes including rediscovery of purpose, connection, recognition of positive impact, gratitude for healing relationships, and adaptation. It provided a pathway for regaining control, uncovering deeper meaning, and fostering hope. The PTGI revealed significant growth in relationships and personal strength (50%) and newfound possibilities and appreciation (33%). Anecdotal evidence suggests Echoes may reduce burnout and improve nurse retention, contributing to a more positive and sustainable workplace culture.
Limitations: Limitations include a relatively small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of Echoes and its potential for wider implementation.
Conclusion: Echoes of Nursing demonstrates the power of storytelling in fostering a culture of healing and resilience within healthcare. This initiative empowers individuals to process trauma, find meaning, and rediscover purpose, contributing to a healthier and more supportive work environment. By promoting individual well-being and interprofessional understanding, Echoes strengthens workplace culture and enhances the overall healthcare experience.
Notes
References:
Kiser LJ, Baumgardner B, Dorado J. Who Are We, But for the Stories We Tell: Family Stories and Healing. Psychol Trauma. 2010 Sep 1;2(3):243-249. doi: 10.1037/a0019893. PMID: 21197420; PMCID: PMC3010736.
Gurney L, Chung V, MacPhee M, Chan E, Snyman C, Robinson J, Bertoli-Haley S, Baron E. Exploring the Impact of Storytelling for Hospitalized Patients Recovering from COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Feb 16;11(4):589. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11040589. PMID: 36833123; PMCID: PMC9957174.
D’Cruz, K.; Douglas, J.; Serry, T. Narrative storytelling as both an advocacy tool and a therapeutic process: Perspectives of adult storytellers with acquired brain injury. Neuropsychol. Rehabil. 2020, 30, 1409–1429.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Stress and Coping, Mentoring and Coaching, Clinical Practice, Workplace Culture, Storytelling, Posttraumatic Growth
Recommended Citation
Acantilado, Jeannine; Calabro, Emily; Hill, Hollybeth; and Rose, Julie Wild, "Rewriting the Narrative: Empowering Healthcare Workers Through Storytelling and Posttraumatic Growth" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 215.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/215
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, 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. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-08
Rewriting the Narrative: Empowering Healthcare Workers Through Storytelling and Posttraumatic Growth
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Background: Recognizing the impact of trauma on healthcare professionals, the Echoes of Nursing storytelling initiative fosters a culture of healing and resilience within the workplace. By providing a safe space for self-expression and narrative medicine techniques, this program empowers individuals to process challenging experiences and rediscover purpose in their work.
Methods: This mixed-methods pilot study, implemented across a 12-hospital system, utilized journaling workshops, story drafting, and coaching to facilitate self-expression and exploration. Coaches employed narrative medicine techniques like externalizing the problem, mapping, and re-authoring to empower individuals. Outcomes were measured using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Over two years, three coaches partnered with 80 storytellers, culminating in events with over 1000 attendees, including family, peers, and administrators. Post-event interviews informed thematic analysis.
Results: Storytelling fostered significant posttraumatic growth, with themes including rediscovery of purpose, connection, recognition of positive impact, gratitude for healing relationships, and adaptation. It provided a pathway for regaining control, uncovering deeper meaning, and fostering hope. The PTGI revealed significant growth in relationships and personal strength (50%) and newfound possibilities and appreciation (33%). Anecdotal evidence suggests Echoes may reduce burnout and improve nurse retention, contributing to a more positive and sustainable workplace culture.
Limitations: Limitations include a relatively small sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of Echoes and its potential for wider implementation.
Conclusion: Echoes of Nursing demonstrates the power of storytelling in fostering a culture of healing and resilience within healthcare. This initiative empowers individuals to process trauma, find meaning, and rediscover purpose, contributing to a healthier and more supportive work environment. By promoting individual well-being and interprofessional understanding, Echoes strengthens workplace culture and enhances the overall healthcare experience.
Description
The Echoes of Nursing initiative uses storytelling to promote healing, resilience, and a positive workplace culture. Learn how this program empowers healthcare workers to process trauma, rediscover purpose, and contribute to a healthier work environment.