Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ANPD.
 

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The 2024 ANPD Virtual Symposium, taking place Oct. 22, is a unique online educational event offering live and pre-recorded sessions and poster presentations. Among this year’s presenters is Danene Coroneos-Shannon, PhD, MSEd, BSN, NPD-BC, MCHES, NC-BC, IC, with her session “Dynamic Care Strategies for Wellness Change.” In this preview, Coroneos-Shannon shares mindfulness tips for nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners, as well as an inside look on what attendees can expect from her session.

Can you explain how dynamic care strategies differ from traditional approaches to wellness?

Explaining the differences between dynamic versus traditional approaches includes a couple of considerations. First, we must have a person-centered perspective. A dynamic approach means awareness of the process: acknowledging it is flowing, changing, and has movement. It is not static. In this, each person has personal preferences, which are tied to emotions, when managing their wellbeing. So how a person thinks and feels about a situation/stressor may be affected by the emotions that they connect to that situation. It must work for the person in the moment that it’s needed, or it will be rendered useless. A dynamic wellness approach must provide variations that support the unique needs of each individual.

Second is flexibility. One self-care technique, skill, or method may not suit every individual or situation. While there may be a standard physical, mental, or spiritual approach, the ability to adapt these techniques to meet personal needs is essential. Therefore, having a variety of easily accessible techniques, skills, and methods is vital, as different situations and the emotions they bring can vary greatly. I encourage and support lifelong learning, fostering the development of skills to enhance both personal and professional well-being — enabling us to heal others through our work.

How do these practices contribute to overall professional and personal well-being?

These practices contribute to both professional and personal well-being by first helping us recognize the ways stress impacts our lives. By employing diverse techniques to release tension, we begin supporting a return to a more balanced state of health. Achieving this equilibrium calms and rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul, allowing individuals to be fully present in their personal and professional lives.

As healthcare professionals, we often neglect our own self-care while prioritizing patient needs. We think we’ll attend to ourselves later, yet that moment often never comes. While we passionately provide care with sincerity and generosity, we also must give ourselves permission and grace to pause and reflect. We wholeheartedly provide care with sincerity and generosity whether at the bedside or onboarding NPDs into our professional family. We must be present, focused, and seek opportunities to learn, teach, encourage, role model, guide, and promote wellbeing, Therefore, we should extend the same compassion and attention to our own needs as we do to our patients and the healthcare professionals whom we support. In this way, we cultivate a healthier, more sustainable approach to our work and personal lives.

The session emphasizes holistic health promotion. What role does mindfulness play in achieving this balance, and why is it important for NPD practitioners to incorporate these practices?

Mindfulness plays a crucial role in achieving balance by fostering awareness of our thoughts, observations, and feelings that may have been previously overlooked. It is a skill which requires practice, enabling us to settle both the mind and body into a state of stillness and peace. Rather than a goal of a “blank” mind, mindfulness allows for open introspection, often bringing valuable insights to light in just a minute or so.

Practice encourages discovery and exploration through the senses, thoughts, and feelings, enhancing our clarity of thoughts, and critical thinking. For NPD practitioners, incorporating mindfulness practice is vital, as it promotes mental wellbeing—which directly impacts their ability to support others. Benefits such as relaxation, decreased anxiety, lowered blood pressure, and a profound sense of stillness and calm are essential for maintaining the resilience needed in a demanding healthcare environment. Through integration of mindfulness into their daily routines, NPD practitioners may enhance both their professional and personal effectiveness, and their health.

Can you share a sneak peek of a mindfulness practice that attendees will experience during the session?

Absolutely! As you read this, pause for a moment of reflective thought. What feelings or emotions are you experiencing? Is there any tightness or tension in your body that you can consciously release right now? Now just notice if you feel more curious as you explore these questions.

You have just begun to engage in the skill of mindfulness. This practice encourages awareness and presence, allowing you to connect more deeply with your inner experience. During our session, we will delve into mindfulness techniques and tools to enhance and support your journey of wellness.

Stress is a common issue among healthcare professionals. How do you see these wellness strategies helping NPD practitioners manage their own stress while supporting their learners?

Self-care is not selfish; it is essential for our health and wellbeing. It is crucial to recognize that there is no fault or blame in prioritizing self-care; rather, it is vital for the overall health and wellbeing of NPD practitioners. Through identifying what stress management strategies work for them, and utilizing those strategies when needed, NPD partitioners can remain fully present, honest, and authentic in their roles. This presence enhances their ability to support learners, as well as their organization, and colleagues.

Sharing personal lived experiences creates a vulnerable, yet brave space that strengthens relationships with learners and colleagues. It fosters understanding, showing others they are not alone in their feelings, experiences, or challenges. Recognizing different perspectives can be incredibly powerful in building a supportive learning environment and professional relationships. Addressing stress is so vital that our national organizations have emphasized nurse wellbeing through their scope and standards, and ethical guidelines for practice. There is no fault or blame to be found here, only the crucial acknowledgment of self-care’s significance. This understanding aligns with the Provision 5 of the American Nurses Association’s Provisions of the Code of Ethics, the Five Principal Roles of Holistic Nursing in the American Holistic Nurses Association’s Scope and Standards of Practice, as well as our own Association for Nursing Professional Development Scope and Standards of Practice—Standard 5b Health Teaching and Health Promotion, which encourages practitioners to prioritize their health. These foundational guiding documents not only support, but also grant nurses permission to care for themselves, even when they may struggle to do so.

Anything else you’d like to share?

You are amazing, strong, and empowered. Most importantly, you are worthy of the same unconditional love and care you so generously provide to others. Mantra: I am amazing! I am strong! I am empowered! Repeat this mantra three times as a reminder of your worth! I hope you will join me on October 22 from 2:50 - 3:20 pm CST. Let’s cultivate this positivity and resilience journey together!