#United States #health systems #Various Cities #Nurse Well-Being #American Nurses Foundation

American Nurses Foundation Awards Mini-Grants

The American Nurses Foundation (ANF) has proudly announced the selection of five health systems that will receive mini-grants to boost initiatives focusing on nurse well-being in rural and long-term care contexts. Each grant, valued at $10,000, seeks to support the implementation of the Nurse Well-Being Building Peer and Leadership Support program, which is imperative in these settings that often face unique challenges.

Key Objectives of Mini-Grants

The main goal of these mini-grants is to empower nurse-led teams within the selected health systems to utilize free online resources and modules tailored for enhancing nurse well-being. By providing support, ANF aims to tackle the pervasive issue of nurse burnout. These resources are designed to foster a culture of healthy workplaces while enhancing communication around mental health within nursing teams.

These programs seek to promote:

• - Awareness and Utilization: Encouraging nurses to engage with available resources designed for their well-being.
• - Peer Relationships: Establishing a stronger support network among nurses to combat feelings of isolation.
• - Healthy Work Culture: Instilling practices that create balanced environments conducive to mental health and job satisfaction.

The Selected Health Systems

The five health systems that received the mini-grants are:
1. Weisbrod Health in Eads, CO, led by Principal Investigator Amanda Hokanson, MSN, RN.
2. Christian Health in Wyckoff, NJ, spearheaded by Principal Investigator Alexis Fitzsimmons Totaro, MSN, RN, WHNP-c, CARN-AP.
3. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (in collaboration with Dartmouth Health) in Bennington, VT, under the guidance of Principal Investigator Alison Camarda, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, CEN, CPEN, SANE.
4. Wesley Pines Retirement Community in Lumberton, NC, driven by Principal Investigators Misty Stone, PhD, RN, and Stephanie Hodges DNP, FNP-C, CNEcl.
5. Providence Centralia Hospital in Centralia, WA, with Principal Investigator Carrie Nebeker, MSN, RN.

The selection of these systems was primarily based on the alignment of their proposals with ANF’s project priorities, as well as the feasibility and potential effectiveness of their implementation strategies. The awarded teams commenced their work in July and are scheduled to present their findings by December.

A Call for Support

“Recognizing the steadfast dedication of nurses, particularly in rural and long-term care environments, these mini-grants act as a lifeline,” stated Graig R. Eastin, Executive Director of the American Nurses Foundation. He emphasized the importance of the financial support provided by the United Health Foundation, noting its role in uplifting nursing professionals facing significant emotional and logistical hurdles.

Program Origins

The Nurse Well-Being Building Peer and Leadership Support program, which was launched in October 2024, owes its existence to a generous three-year grant of $3.1 million from the United Health Foundation. Designed by nurses themselves, the program equips them with evidence-based tools and resources intended to alleviate stress and improve overall recovery.

For more information on the initiative, including its impact on the nursing community, take a look at nursingworld.org.

Conclusion

The American Nurses Foundation continues to play an integral role in supporting nurse well-being through innovative programs. By empowering nurses with the right tools and resources, they can foster an environment that is not only supportive but transformative for both healthcare providers and patients alike.