A diverse group of nurse leaders and staff collaborated to create L+M’s new Wellness on Wheels carts for employees.
Each one is equipped with massage rollers, essential oils, lip balm, informational handouts, even a few candies among the various treats, but the Wellness on Wheels carts rolling the hallways of L+M Hospital these days are much more than simply the sum of their parts.
When one of these welcoming wagons slows to a stop at a nurses’ station – navigated by wellness teams that include nurse leaders and staff – there’s also a powerful message being conveyed.
“We want people to know that their wellness is important to us, that we’re here for them,” said Karen Barton, a health unit coordinator on Unit 6.2, part of a team that got the carts going. “We’re here to support them, we’re here to listen to them, and we’re here to help them.”
The employee-focused carts (the team hopes to get one to Westerly Hospital soon) are based on a similar concept borrowed from system colleagues at Greenwich Hospital, said Shannon Christian, RN, chief nursing officer for L+M and Westerly hospitals.
“It’s a way to recognize and thank our teams for all they do every day for our patients,” she said. “Our teams provide comfort and care to our patients all the time, so this is a small way to provide the same thing for our teams. If we take good care of our teams, we know our teams will continue to take the best care of our patients.”
Nikol Hilario, an administrative assistant, and Nikita Terry, an executive assistant, were key drivers in the design of the carts. Leaf designs on the side suggest something tropical, perhaps like a mini vacation happening in that specific moment when an employee approaches the cart. And while there are no umbrella drinks, there is often tea, coffee or water infused with cucumber or lemon. From there, conversations happen.
“Taking a moment to talk to each other when it’s not a huddle or a meeting is a big part of what this is about,” Hilario said. “If you can just talk to someone, understand where they’re coming from that day and maybe offer a little comfort or advice – sometimes that’s all it takes to make things so much better.”
For anyone who might have a deeper concern about their well-being, the carts include brochures on Employee and Family Resources programs and peer support programs for staff.
“Mental health is very important to all of us,” Barton said. “We want everyone to know that we have resources if you’re struggling. We can help.”
So, whether it’s a massage, a little hydration, a chance to share a few laughs between patients or even identify someone in need of help, the Wellness on Wheels carts are rolling with positive intention.
“We’re all getting a lot out of it,” said Lynne Killoy, RN, director of Perioperative Services, who has pushed the cart many times. “Delivering the wellness cart has become one of our wellness teams’ favorite parts of the day – not just because we’re supporting our staff but because we’re sharing those moments of gratitude together, leaving all of us feeling inspired.”
If you are feeling distressed or experiencing challenging emotional events related to your work in health care, YNHHS’ Peer Support Program can help. At L+M and Westerly hospitals contact [email protected]. Watch for more information about the program in an upcoming Perspectives.
For information about programs available through Employee and Family Resources, visit THRIVE on the employee intranet, under Departments & Communities.
