For innovative CNOs who want to crack the code for nurse wellbeing, there might be a hairy solution.
HealthLeaders spoke to Beth Steinberg, associate director of research at the OSU Center for Integrative Health and founder of the Buckeye Paws program, about the Buckeye Paws program and how dogs can be a powerful tool for nurse wellbeing. Tune in to hear her insights.
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The goal for the Buckeye Paws program, which was launched in 2020, is to bring a wellness program to nurses, to meet them where they're at.
The dog handlers, who are physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, or admin staff, are trained in trauma informed care and mental health first aid before they are allowed to provide support.
The dogs provide a space for nonjudgemental support for people to feel more comfortable and to be vulnerable about what's going on in their day and in their lives.