A Staff Respite Room; Magnetizing and Energizing the Staff for Retention and Satisfaction

Purpose:
Providing a proactive approach to work related stress will provide nurses with organizational support in order to deter the numerous detrimental psychological, physical, and behavioral problems that often accompany it.

Significance:
High staff turnover, absenteeism, unsafe behavior, and increased errors are all well documented results of a high stress environment in healthcare which often accompanies those who deal with a high end of life, critically ill population.

Strategy and Implementation:
Utilizing a grant through the Shadyside Hospital Foundation, an evidenced based practice room with EBP therapies for stress reduction are in a quiet, comforting room. The room encompasses therapies including massage, aromatherapy, Himalayan salt lamp, sound therapy, and visual stimulation to create an environment of peace and tranquility. Also entailed is a mini library of motivational books that are donated by nursing administration. Inside the cover of the books entails a short note from the administrator on why they chose the book. The room is available to all hospital nursing staff.

Evaluation:
Staff surveys regarding usage of room have an overwhelming positive response in view of the room and administration. Use of the Professional Quality of Life Scale(ProQOL), is currently underway with results to be determined in the near future.

Implications for Practice:
A specified room in the hospital is "staff space". An area where staff can get away from the mainstream of their unit to use evidenced based practice techniques that has proven to reduce stress and take a time out. This in turn takes the "edge" off of a stressful day/situation.