St. George Regional Hospital nurse administrator Natalie Ashby, RN, was concerned about the well-being of nurse leaders at the facility. She recognized the unprecedented impact 2020 had on her leaders, with organizational changes, unrest on local and national levels, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I wanted to provide an opportunity where nurse leaders could connect with one another, talk about common concerns and challenges, socialize, and recharge in a safe and supportive environment,” says Natalie. “It’s hard for leaders to support their caregivers if they themselves are running low on morale.”
And so, the Nurse Leader Breakfast Club was created. The gatherings are small—to meet COVID-19 gathering restrictions and to keep the conversation purposeful—and last only one hour. Nurses invited to the breakfast club gather in a private, quiet location, eat breakfast, and talk. They offer each other support, share best practices, and discuss feelings.
“I start the group out with two questions to break the ice and start the conversation,” Natalie says. “Question number one is, ‘Tell us about your favorite vacation and why,’ and question number two is, ‘Tell us about your most challenging day at work.’”
At the end of the hour, nurse managers often say they enjoyed the time meeting with other managers and feel more energized.
“The Nurse Leader Breakfast Club offers nurse leaders an important form of peer support, so that they can be successful leaders,” Natalie says.
You’re invited to talk to your leader about starting a similar peer support group at your facility.