Nursing education has a unique opportunity to improve workplace wellness in community organizations which partner with nursing programs. Through established and trusted relationships with the clinical partners, students can be guided by faculty through impactful evidence-based practice initiatives at community organizations. While the identification of the problem originates through collaboration with the organization, the work is done by the students and faculty. This is beneficial for both parties.
At one BSN program, faculty and senior students collaborated with a community organization which both employs and serves Native Hawaiians. The goal was to design an evidence-based, culturally relevant health promotion program for the organization's employees. Utilizing the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model, the question was generated: What are the best practices for promoting and enhancing wellness at a holistic level for employees of the Native Hawaiian community? Appraised evidence supported providing educational content on diet and exercise for weight management and general health, proper body mechanics to prevent workplace injuries, instruction and support for use of technology, and friendly competitions to engage in physical activity. Evidence regarding Native Hawaiian health management and beliefs was also obtained.
A workplace wellness program was designed which included online trainings on utilizing proper body mechanics, a Fitbit challenge for healthy competition between districts in the organization, and an interactive web-based health booklet based on la’au lapa’au - the art of Hawaiian healing. Culturally relevant food preparation recipes, holistic healing remedies, and stress management techniques were combined in a platform where employees could continue to add new information to be shared by everyone in the organization. Students presented the materials to organizational leaders who would distribute it to their employees. Students provided contact information for follow-up and support.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing techniques that will help improve workplace safety and efficiency is a general goal of workplace health promotion efforts. Cultural practices of employees can be successfully identified and incorporated into standard wellness approaches when effort is made to achieve this outcome. Students in need of educational opportunities can provide this effort under supervision of faculty, easing the burden on community organizations. Collaboration between nursing programs and community partners can improve workplace wellness and foster positive relationships.