UMaine Nursing commits to healthcare, well-being ahead of National Health Workforce Well-Being Day
The National Academy of Medicine Collaborative is recognizing Monday, March 18 as the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day, and the University of Maine School of Nursing is reaffirming its commitment to advancing health workers’ well-being through research and education opportunities for students, faculty and staff. The UMaine School of Nursing emphasizes the importance of supporting nurses’ and other health workers’ well-being to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system and uphold quality patient care.
Under the initiative of Promoting Diversity in Nursing Education, the School of Nursing, in collaboration with Northern Light Health, secured a grant exceeding $1.7 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to enhance opportunities for those who are financially disadvantaged or part of an underrepresented ethnic or racial minority group. The initiative included transforming admissions, revising curriculum, providing specialized tutoring and expanding living communities. By fostering diversity among students and faculty, the School of Nursing is preparing graduates to effectively meet the diverse needs of healthcare communities.
“WellNurse” is a UMaine School of Nursing program funded by a $1.5 million award from HRSA in January 2022 to address burnout and resilience in nursing education. The program was created in response to increased challenges of burnout, stress and trauma among nurses, which was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. WellNurse supports students’ socioemotional and academic needs, as well as implementation of evidence-based interventions in mindfulness including stress reduction, eating and fitness.
An approach to empower students through enhanced recruitment, inclusive admission criteria and holistic well-being curriculum has increased enrollment and retention among first-generation college students.
In collaboration with Brown University, the school recently expanded interventions focused on well-being through a free online course through April 26 that is catered to beginners with busy schedules. Participants, including faculty and staff from other health professions and nursing schools, engage in 75-minute weekly sessions to learn mindfulness principles and techniques.
Ongoing work involves data analysis and stakeholder feedback to refine interventions for optimal student success and well-being. For more information, visit UMaine Nursing.