Supporting New Graduate Nurses in Transition: The Nurse AthleteTM Program

Purpose:

New graduate nurses are among the most vulnerable members of the profession and employers continue to seek ways that support new graduates transition into their first positions as full members of the healthcare team. The purpose of this project was to incorporate use of a two-day self-care workshop, Nurse Athlete^TM, into an existing nurse residency program. This presentation is a description of the Nurse Athlete^TM program used as adjunctive support for new graduate nurses employed by a large, university medical center located in the Midwestern United States.

Methods:

 Through a series of lectures, exploratory questions and reflective journaling, participants are guided over two days through content and exercises that help them face the truth about their physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual (life’s purpose) health.  The latest evidence-based nutrition content is covered along with practical guidelines for everyday approaches to eating.  Meals, created from commonly available foods, are served during the workshop and follow the program’s nutrition guidelines.  Strategic movement breaks are provided during both days along with two exercise sessions led by a certified physical trainer.  The exercise sessions demonstrate simple but effective exercises that can be done in almost any setting and focus on building strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.  Participants also have the opportunity to undergo a brief health risk assessment and are provided private consultation regarding the results and referrals as necessary.

Results:

Participants routinely report high energy during the workshop, realignment with their deepest values and new motivation to engage their personal health in sustainable ways. 

Conclusion: Nurse leaders should consider adding a self-care component such as the Nurse Athlete^TM to new graduate nurse transition programs.