The deleterious impact of stress faced by nurses who care for seriously ill patients and their families has been well documented. Recently, a Florida State University study found that 80% of hospice and palliative care nurses were at moderate to high risk for burnout and compassion fatigue resulting in increased absenteeism, a significantly compromised sense of well-being, and an exodus from the profession.
Hospice by the Sea is piloting a program that combines self-care education and Complementary Therapies (Reiki, Healing Touch, Guided Imagery, yoga, music therapy, meditation and massage) to reduce the impact of stress and compassion fatigue among nurses in their inpatient care centers in Boca Raton and Hollywood. The program is being supported by grants from Healing Touch Worldwide Foundation and the Florida Center for Nursing.
(l-r) Dr. Stefanie McKee and Janet Siniscalchi, R.N., are heading up Hospice by the Seas pilot program.
Hospice and palliative care nurses often deal with constant stress which can significantly threaten their health, well-being and job performance. The daily requirements of providing care for patients and families struggling with progressive diseases, death and bereavement invariably increase their own awareness of their own losses and vulnerabilities, ultimately increasing their anxiety and stress levels. Many of these nurses also function as caregivers outside the work environment within their own families. These family caregivers are even more vulnerable to the effects of stress and are at greater risk for burnout and compassion fatigue.
Janet Siniscalchi, R.N., demonstrating Reiki therapy.
As an organization committed to excellence in patient care, Hospice by the Sea has recognized that the health and well-being of its nursing staff is critical. They are also committed to creating a culture of care and support for their professional caregivers. To this end, the purpose of their pilot program is to implement and evaluate a self-care education and Complementary Therapies program for their nurses. Participants in a similar program in the United Kingdom found the program to be “physically and/or psychologically beneficial,” as well as “signifying a caring and appreciative employer.” Hospice by the Sea programs goals are significant: promote wellness and renewal, lead to improved therapeutic relationships, increase job satisfaction, decrease absenteeism, and increase nursing staff retention.
Heading up Hospice by the Seas program are Janet Siniscalchi, R.N., and Dr. Stefanie McKee, a licensed clinical psychologist.
Siniscalchi, clinical director of the Complementary Therapies Program at Hospice by the Sea and a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, stated, “Giving nurses the awareness of their need for self care helps them to avoid compassion fatigue. Complementary Therapies can rejuvenate staff to help them better care for themselves, patients, and families. They are also honoring their profession by taking care of self.”
Dr. McKee has expertise in research methods and statistics, as well as the assessment and treatment of the psychological aspects of stress and compassion fatigue. She is currently the Director of Program Development at Hospice by the Sea and an Affiliate Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Miamis Miller School of Medicine.
Hospice by the Seas program of self-care education initiatives with innovative Complementary Therapies is offered to their nursing staff during their normal working hours. The first group to participate is the nursing staff at the 30-bed inpatient, Boca Raton Care Center. With positive measureable results, the program will expand to include the entire hospice and palliative care nursing staff.
