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CODE YOU Nurse Well-Being Research & Evidence
CODE YOU's interventions are grounded in peer-presented research on nurse well-being, leadership development, and the mitigation of compassion fatigue and stress injuries. Our co-founders Phyllis Morton MSN, RN, SD and Tamara Ramirez MASFSD, BSN, RN have presented this work at the Texas Nurses Association conference and use it as the foundation for every retreat, leadership program, and coaching engagement we deliver.
Cultivating and Defending
Brave Healing Spaces: Training Nurse Leaders on Developing and Maintaining a Healthy Workplace Culture
Authors:
Phyllis Morton MSN, RN, SD and
N. Tamara Ramirez MASFSD, BSN, RN
Presented at:
Texas Nurses Association Conference
June, 2024
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Background
Effective nursing leadership is a cornerstone of healthcare transformation, influencing organizational culture, staff well-being, and patient outcomes. This research introduces a comprehensive training program on nursing leadership strategies focused on active listening, storytelling, personality typing, workplace violence prevention, and trauma-informed care of staff for the cultivation of a healthy workplace culture.
Purpose and Aims
The initiative equips nursing leaders with diverse skills and approaches that address critical aspects of healthcare workforce culture transformation. The program defines a Brave Healing Space as one that is brave (psychologically safe), connected (healthy communication and support leading to emotional and intellectual connection), and empowered (provision of tools and support needed for workplace success).
Methodology
The initiative began in June 2023 with an in-person beta group of nurse leaders from diverse backgrounds, education, and work environments. The group met weekly for two hours over six weeks. After each session, participants assessed the effectiveness of the course in meeting its objectives and offering usable tools for transforming workplace culture. After completing the training portion, participants gathered monthly for three additional months and received coaching support to integrate course materials into their leadership practice.The approach combines leadership development workshops, educational modules, one-on-one coaching, and practical training sessions. Course topics include active listening techniques, the power of storytelling, personality typing (Enneagram), workplace violence prevention strategies, and trauma-informed care principles applied to both patient interactions and the well-being of nursing staff.
Analysis
Course participants come from various professional backgrounds, including in-patient pediatrics and adult care, outpatient case management, and public and private health systems. Participants have a median of fifteen years of nursing experience and a median of ten years in nursing leadership roles. Participants completed course surveys immediately after each section, at course completion, and six months post-course to determine the impact on nurse leaders and their teams.
Results
Initial study results indicate positive shifts in leadership approaches and workplace culture. Participants self-reported increased self-awareness and confidence in utilizing the course tools to navigate challenging situations with their teams."Course enhanced my well-being and strengthened my ability to care wholistically for my team.""Course increased my self-awareness and confidence to navigate challenging situations with my team."
Conclusion
This initiative, though in early stages, shows that training nurse leaders in active listening, storytelling, personality typing, workplace violence prevention, and trauma-informed care increases leaders' self-awareness and confidence in developing strategies to transform workplace culture into a healthy one.
Practice Implications
This initiative demonstrates that nurse leadership training that engages and integrates active listening, storytelling, personality typing, workplace violence prevention, and trauma-informed care helps nursing leaders develop and maintain workplace environments that rejuvenate their staff and contribute to enhanced patient care and overall healthcare excellence.
References
Mabona, J. F., van Rooyen, D., & Ten Ham-Baloyi, W. (2022, April 25). Best practice recommendations for healthy work environments for nurses: An integrative literature review. Health SA = SA Gesondheid.
Rlinke. (2020, August 12). Resilience in nursing amid uncertainty. Brigham Heart & Science.
Wolf, Z. R. (2014). Exploring rituals in nursing joining art and science. Springer Pub. Co.
Enhancing Nurse Well-Being and Mitigating Stress Injuries: A Comprehensive Intervention Utilizing Active Listening and Verbatim Techniques
Authors:
Phyllis Morton MSN, RN, SD and
N. Tamara Ramirez MASFSD, BSN, RN
Presented at:
Texas Nurses Association Conference
June, 2024
Background
The nursing profession is renowned for its demanding nature, placing nurses at risk of elevated stress levels that can lead to adverse health consequences and diminished overall well-being. This research addresses the nurse health and stress injury continuum through nurse leader education and support. It aims to enhance nurse communication, deepen team connection, and mitigate stress by integrating active listening and verbatim techniques into the daily practice of nurse leaders, who play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive work environment.
Purpose and Aims
The primary purpose of this initiative is to quantifiably evaluate the impact of active listening partnered with the verbatim tool to improve nurses' well-being and prevent stress injuries when first engaged by nurse leaders. Specific aims:
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Quantify changes in stress levels.
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Analyze the qualitative impact on nurse-nurse interactions through verbatim analysis.
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Measure the overall effectiveness of leadership training in promoting a healthier work environment.
Methodology
The initiative began in June 2023 with an in-person beta group of nurse leaders from diverse backgrounds, education, and work environments. Drawing on evidence-based practices, the program combines a leadership development workshop, educational modules, one-on-one coaching, and practical training sessions. Participants engaged in a two-hour training, participated in a skill return demonstration, and completed three peer coaching sessions.
Analysis
Course participants come from various professional backgrounds, including in-patient pediatrics and adult care, outpatient case management, and public and private health systems. Participants have a median of fifteen years of nursing experience and a median of ten years in nursing leadership roles.
Results
Initial study results indicate that participants felt empowered to better understand their listening style. All participants reported improved self-awareness while listening to their team express struggles and needs. Early verbatim analysis reveals a 60% improvement in communication dynamics, with nurses demonstrating enhanced empathetic engagement and understanding in their interactions with teammates. Group participants reported that the verbatim tool, primarily used by chaplains, helped them slow down and understand why they reacted rather than supportively responded to one of their team members. Combined with active listening skills, this helped them be more self-aware and available to their staff during times of stress.
Conclusion
Integrating active listening and verbatim techniques into nursing leadership practice, complemented by leadership training, mitigates team interpersonal stress and enhances the overall well-being of nurse leaders and their teams.
Practice Implications
Early results suggest positive practical implications for healthcare organizations aiming to support nurses' well-being and break the stress injury cycle. Implementing validated training programs in active listening and verbatim techniques for healthcare leaders can reduce nurse stress levels and improve job satisfaction. More research is needed to expand the evidence base.
References
Communication tools in nursing - HIPAA journal. (n.d.).
Editor(s): Raso, Rosanne MS, RN, NEA-BC. Are you listening?. Nursing Management (Springhouse) 47(4):p 6, April 2016. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000481788.60062.cd
Nichols, M. P., & Straus, M. B. (2021). The lost art of listening: How learning to listen can improve relationships. The Guilford Press.
Rlinke. (2020, August 12). Resilience in nursing amid uncertainty. Brigham Heart & Science.
How CODE YOU applies this research
Every CODE YOU retreat, the Wholistic Leadership Certificate Program, and our one-on-one coaching engagements draw directly from this research. Active listening and verbatim techniques are taught as named modules. The Brave Healing Spaces framework is the lens through which we design every facilitated session.
If you are a nurse leader, hospital administrator, or healthcare educator interested in how this research applies to your team, contact us about hosting a retreat or explore 1-on-1 support.