About the Initiative
The Department of Professional Practice and Well-being presents their new Nursing driven wellness program: The CHEER Initiative.
It is the vision of CHEER to promote a Culture of Healing & Empowering of Employee Relationships.
CHEER Initiative
A Holistic Approach to Employee Well-Being
In our ever-evolving healthcare landscape, we understand that the well-being of our hospital employees is paramount not just for their personal lives but also for the quality of care they provide to our patients. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our latest initiative: the CHEER Initiative, a nurse driven wellness program dedicated to fostering a Culture of Healing and Empowering Employee Relationships. We believe that a healthy and empowered workforce is the foundation of excellence in healthcare.
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The CHEER Initiative is more than just a program; it's a commitment to our staff's holistic well-being. We recognize that healthcare professionals face unique challenges and pressures daily, and addressing these challenges is crucial for both personal and professional growth.
Core Relationships:
Relationship with Self
Self-care is not just a buzzword; it's a vital component of a healthcare professional's journey. The CHEER Initiative is dedicated to nurturing our Relationship with Self. We understand that to provide the best care to our patients and support our colleagues, we must first take care of ourselves.
Through mental health and wellness programs, stress management resources, and a strong focus on work-life balance, we empower our employees to prioritize their own well-being. By investing in our Relationship with Self, we ensure that our hospital staff is physically and mentally prepared to face the challenges of the healthcare profession.
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Relationship with Colleagues
A sense of unity and collaboration among our healthcare teams is paramount. The CHEER Initiative envisions enhancing our Relationship with Colleagues. We believe that by fostering strong connections among our staff, we create a supportive and productive work environment.
Our mentorship programs, unit-based councils and shared governance, and professional nursing career ladder facilitate the growth of meaningful relationships within our hospital community. By building trust and camaraderie, we encourage open communication, shared knowledge, and a sense of belonging that ultimately benefits both our employees and our patients.
Relationship with Patients and their Families
At the heart of healthcare is the relationship between healthcare providers, patients, and their families. The CHEER Initiative emphasizes the importance of our Relationship with Patients and their Families. We recognize that compassionate and attentive care is only possible when there is trust and empathy between healthcare professionals and those they serve.
Through ongoing training and education, we equip our staff with the skills needed to provide the highest level of patient-centered care. We also encourage the use of Re-igniting the Spirit of Caring's four principles of therapeutic communication: Attunement, Wondering, Following, and Holding. With these principles, we believe our staff will be better equipped to address the unique needs of each patient and their family members.
Vital Pillars:
Mental Health and Wellness:
We're dedicated to promoting mental well-being among our employees. We offer counseling services, stress management programs, and resources to help them navigate the demanding healthcare environment.
Work-Life Balance:
Striking a balance between work and personal life is essential for employee satisfaction and productivity. Our initiative encourages flexible schedules, promotes time-off utilization, and provides support for caregiving responsibilities.
Professional Practice:
We empower our employees to advance in their careers through ongoing training, education opportunities, and mentorship programs. A well-equipped team is essential for delivering the best care.
Community and Support:
Building a sense of belonging and camaraderie is vital. We organize social events, peer support groups, and forums for open communication to create a supportive work environment.
Why It Matters:
Investing in our employees' well-being goes beyond providing benefits; it's about creating a workplace culture that values and supports every individual. Here are some reasons why the CHEER Initiative matters:
Enhanced Employee Morale: When employees feel supported and valued, their morale and job satisfaction increase, leading to better patient care.
Reduced Burnout: Healthcare professionals often face burnout due to the intense nature of their work. The CHEER Initiative equips them with tools to prevent and address burnout effectively.
Improved Patient Care: A happy and healthy workforce is more engaged and capable of providing top-notch patient care. This initiative ultimately benefits our patients by ensuring a compassionate and attentive healthcare team.
Meet the Team
Professional Practice & Wellbeing department
Leah N. Satonica, BSN, RN, HWNC-BC
Relationship-Based Care Manager
& Holistic Health and Wellness Nurse Coach - Board-Certified
In her role as the Relationship-Based Care Manager, Leah is honored to contribute to Grady's mission of creating a Culture of Healing and Empowering Employee Relationships, facilitating a cultural shift that emphasizes self-care for all staff members. This commitment is not just professional; it is deeply personal. Having experienced firsthand the impact of neglecting self-care, she understands the importance of prioritizing well-being. It is this understanding that propels her to empower and support the incredible bedside staff at Grady. Fueled by this passion, she also ventured into the realm of Nurse Coaching and became a Board-Certified Nurse Coach in December 2023 and board-certified in Holistic Health & Wellness in April 2024.
Ceceillia Belcher, MSN, RN
Nurse Wellness Coach
Ceceillia Belcher stands as a beacon of dedication and compassion, not only within the healthcare sector but also in the realms of ministry. Her unwavering passion for service has continuously beckoned her to support others in their times of need. It was through her experiences and desire to effect meaningful change that she found nursing to be the ideal career path and catalyst towards making a difference in the lives of others.
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As a Servant-Leader, Ceceillia approaches her role with a humbled sense of responsibility. She goes beyond tending to the physical needs of her patients, recognizing, and addressing their spiritual well-being, thus embracing the holistic essence of care.
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Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, Ceceillia eagerly embraces the challenges in the healthcare landscape. Viewing each obstacle as an opportunity for growth, she persistently expands her knowledge and expertise to better serve those entrusted to her care.
Ceceillia's vision extends far beyond her individual practice; she is devoted to shaping the future of nursing by nurturing a generation of compassionate and proficient professionals. Through mentorship and leadership, she endeavors to instill the values of empathy and excellence in those who will carry the torch forward, ensuring a legacy of profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Dr. Lashawnda Clark, DNP, RN
Director of Professional Practice
& Wellbeing
Dr. Clark is a servant leader, focused on improving the practice of nurses at Grady Hospital. Dr. Clarks vision is for nurses to practice at their full potential; ensuring they have resources that promote quality, safety, wellness and professional development. As the director of professional practice and wellbeing, her goal is to create programs that will pour into the wellbeing of staff. She is committed to meeting the diverse and often complex wellbeing needs of staff with understanding and compassion. Dr. Clarks belief in God, her passion for healthcare, and her relentless pursuit to better the practice of nursing, is what makes her an amazing leader, peer, colleague, and nurse.