Caring for HEalthy Engaged Resilient staff: A wellness training program for emergency department nurses

INTERVENTION: Those randomised to the intervention group will receive a face‐to‐face self‐care intervention program designed and supervised by an accredited clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. Participants will be offered one of two weekly hospital based sessions of approximately 1 hour duration for 5 weeks (10 participants should be in each of the sessions) with a home program. Sessions will cover the following topics; Session 1 Phenomenology of Stress How people cope – Support & Self Care Self Care: 3 systems (Lifestyle, Physical (Body), Mental (Mind)) Lifestyle System: Sleep, Diet, Exercise, Fun Principle of 5% change Introduction to cyclic breathing – bridge to Session 2 Homework for session 1: Lifestyle audit, practice cyclic breathing Session 2 Review Homework – Discussion Physical System Biological basis of arousal Relaxation Training: overview, principles, goal (short and long techniques) Skills training: cyclic breathing (review), Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), Visualisation) Homework for session 2: Progressive muscle relaxation, Visualisation Session 3 Review Homework – Discussion Mental System: Can’t stop thoughts, change how respond, shift focus of attention (Distraction), challenge (Cognitive Therapy), observe (Mindfulness) Mindfulness: Definition Skills Training ‐ “mindfulness of the breath” Homework for session 3: Practice – “mindfulness of the breath” Session 4 Review Homework – Discussion Mindfulness continued Skills Training: “leaves on a stream”, mindful eating, Homework for session 4: practice “leaves on a stream”, mindful eating Session 5 Review Homework – Discussion Cognitive Therapy: Overview, principles, ABC model Discussion of process (techniques) Discuss and work through brief examples The sessions will be conducted in the ED conference room between the hours of 2pm and 3pm two afternoons per week. This time has been selected as it should minimise impact on clinical care and will also allow for completion of the program as part of work hours rather than in addition to current work schedule of already busy staff. CONDITION: Coping Stress PRIMARY OUTCOME: Stress will be measured using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 SECONDARY OUTCOME: Professional Quality of Life will be measured using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, version 5 (Pro‐QOL‐5) Program Attendance (self reported) Work engagement will be measured using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Nurse currently rostered to work in the RBWH DEM Able to attend program