The Performance of Resiliency: A Program of Support for Oncology Nurses

Krumm, Sharon K.

Saturday, 29 October 2011

Sharon K. Krumm, PhD, RN
Suzanne M. Cowperthwaite, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe the Performance of Resiliency Program and its impact on Oncology nurses.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to discuss results of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and session evaluations completed by nurses participating in the Resiliency Program.

Oncology nurses have the highest “burn out” among clinical specialties. A supportive work environment fosters open communication and collegial relationships and reduces the negative effects of stress associated with caring for patients with cancer. Focus groups and electronic surveys identified the major stresses nurses experienced at work. Resiliency is the ability to experience growth in the face of recurring stresses; and, when enhanced, allows nurses to experience the rewards of their profession, reducing the frequency of burn out and feelings of demoralization. The use of theater, improvisation and play is a novel approach to enhancing nurses’ resiliency.

Performance of a Lifetime, an international consulting company, uses theater, improvisation, and coaching to enhance communication, collaboration and cultural change. The decision to engage them in a resiliency support program was based on understanding that nurses needed to experience different approaches to their work and relationships; they did not need to be “told” how to be more resilient, they needed to experience it.

Adult and pediatric oncology nurses participated in a “Performance of Resiliency” program, beginning with sessions where they experienced play and improvisation under the direction of the consultants, followed with coaching sessions, where nurses determined the topics, throughout the remainder of the year.

The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and evaluations were completed by participants. The CD-RISC has been used with health care providers and patients to measure resiliency. Aggregate data are reported by nursing unit, years as oncology nurse, etc. Sessions were evaluated using an adaptation of a standard educational evaluation form. Written comments contributed to the complete evaluation.

The Performance of Resiliency program is a unique approach to strengthening oncology nurses’ resiliency. A video of interviews with participants and coaching groups is available. This poster affords others opportunity to consider the importance of nurse resiliency.

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