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BayCare Health System Expands Nurse Well-Being Initiative Systemwide

BayCare Health System is set to enhance the well-being of its nursing staff through the expansion of its Nurse Well-Being program, set to roll out across all 16 of its acute-care hospitals in 2025. This initiative, which has successfully demonstrated its efficacy over a three-year pilot, aims to address the pervasive issue of nurse burnout, which has become particularly critical in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With plans to integrate this program into over 160 inpatient units, BayCare is taking significant steps to support the health and job satisfaction of its nurses.

Background of the Initiative

Initially launched at select hospitals, this program has yielded remarkable results, including a 34% reduction in overall nurse burnout and an 82% increase in positive perceptions of leadership among staff. The pilot program operated in hospitals such as St. Joseph's, St. Anthony's, and Winter Haven, where it effectively fostered enhanced workplace communication and dramatically reduced turnover rates. Given these positive outcomes, the decision to expand this initiative systemwide aligns with BayCare’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes nurse well-being.

Trish Shucoski, BayCare's chief nurse executive, emphasized the significance of this program, stating, "The nurse well-being program shines a light on ways we can help our nurses build resilience, navigate workplace challenges, and develop strategies to maintain their well-being." This approach not only aims to improve the mental health of nurses but is also positioned to enhance patient care outcomes, demonstrating a holistic view of healthcare that integrates the needs of hospital staff with those of the patients they serve.

Stress First Aid Program

At the heart of this initiative is the Stress First Aid (SFA) program, a peer-to-peer support model that was originally developed for high-stress professions, like the military and emergency services. The program emphasizes collective responsibility among colleagues to look out for one another, fostering an environment where health professionals can address their stress in a supportive manner. By incorporating this model, BayCare positions itself as a leader in healthcare wellness, significantly differentiating itself from other systems.

The SFA framework provides a comprehensive method for discussing stress and enhancing communication among team members. It's meant to complement other established services such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and nursing mentorship initiatives, creating an integrated well-being strategy that benefits everyone involved in patient care.

Program champion Rocky Hauch, an advanced nursing educator at BayCare, highlighted that this is a cultural shift rather than just another training initiative: "It's not just about a person reaching out for help, or leadership identifying when someone is stressed. Colleagues support and look out for one another." This collective ethos underscores the program's intent—emphasizing that mental health and support are a shared organizational responsibility.

Future Aspirations

Following the successful rollout of the Nurse Well-Being program within nursing departments, BayCare is already looking ahead to expand similar approaches into other areas of its healthcare services by 2026. This progressive mindset towards workforce well-being not only enhances the working conditions for nurses but also ensures higher quality care for patients, as maintained nurse satisfaction is closely correlated with positive patient experiences.

BayCare’s commitment to its staff has been recognized by industry peers. Recently, it received the Well-Being Excellence™ designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), making it the first health system in Florida—and one of the few nationwide—to achieve this honor. This recognition serves to reinforce BayCare's dedication to cultivating a people-first culture, one where both patients and healthcare providers can thrive.

Conclusion

As BayCare embarks on this expansion of the Nurse Well-Being initiative, it sets a precedent for other healthcare systems nationwide. By prioritizing the emotional and psychological health of its nurses, BayCare not only enhances its workplace environment but also fortifies its commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the communities it serves. For more information on potential career opportunities and to learn about BayCare's ongoing commitment to nurse and patient well-being, visit BayCare.org.