McDonough District Hospital Foundation recently held an Open House for nursing staff to unveil a new Staff Rejuvenation room.
Last December during the Festival of Trees, funds were raised for frontline caregivers and mental health services at MDH. A portion of those funds helped create the new Staff Rejuvenation room.
This space allows frontline caregivers an opportunity to use break time to relax and recharge. Funds were used to purchase a massage chair, sound machine with soothing music and sounds, additional seating for relaxation, and inspirational artwork. Staff can also leave positive messages for colleagues in a community journal.
Nursing staff members expressed gratitude and appreciation to everyone who helped make the new room possible.
“The nursing staff would like to express our appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Rejuvenation room. It is nice to see a focus on stress reduction and improving physical, emotional and mental well-being of healthcare workers,” said Director of Acute Care/ICU Connie Elting, RN. “We have experienced some challenging times and the staff have remained resilient. This new space provides a sense of calm and re-focus which helps us to be better caregivers.”
According to Stefany Kendrick, RN, Emergency Room Director, “My staff members are very appreciative of the space and the thoughtfulness of the community to donate to this cause.”
“The ability to stay close to patient care, yet step away for a few minutes to pause, take a deep breath and relax, are key elements to help re-energize and center,” said MDH Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer Wanda Foster, RN, MSN, FACHE. “The last two years have added a layer of stress unlike we had ever experienced. We are so pleased for the community support that allowed us to dedicate the Rejuvenation room for our staff.”
MDH says Thank You to everyone who donated during the Festival of Trees to help make this idea for a room become a reality.
“It’s been wonderful to see this project come full circle, from raising funds to support our frontline caregivers to this beautiful room in a matter of a few months,” said Becky Paulsen, Vice President MDH Foundation. “We hope it becomes a respite for staff to take a calming moment for themselves on a busy day.”
For more information on the MDH Foundation, log on to MDH.org or call (309) 836-1757.
Original source can be found here.
