Gwendolyn Ekeh, RN has been conducting the “Caring Experience” rounding with a wellness cart and doing 15 minutes of individual breathwork, massage and healing mantras with the colleagues. Since 2024, Gwendolyn has had 86 nurses, physicians and staff taking her class or individual session. Her wellness cart includes herbal teas designed to detoxify and promote health. In addition to rounding, she also offers support by appointment, during events and staff meetings.

A survey is given to the participants before and after the experience to assess the impact of the experience and provide feedback to Gwendolyn.  In a post-experience survey, 100% of the participants stated that they felt more connected, focused and grounded after the session. When asked if the breathing and stretching session helped to relieve stress, anxiety and tension in their body, 100% of the participants answered yes. The post experience question asked if participants would explore more time for self to recover and regroup from stressors that may cause increased anxiety and frustration. 100% of participants answered yes to this.

Gwendolyn also teaches a wellness class open to all staff to promote self-care and to equip individuals with the knowledge to gain healthier habits to strengthen immunity. Other caring-healing modalities that are taught in her class include harnessing the power of breath and breathing exercises as a daily practice. She guides and helps demonstrate simple exercises and stretching to promote the release of stress, anxiety and tension in the body. Education on herbal support and recipes are shared as well as instruction on lymphatic system massage. The class ends with guided meditation with sound wave therapy to enhance grounding, calm and focus. This powerful offering has impacted staff and nurses in all areas of the hospital and has encouraged participants to incorporate these healing practices into their daily routines at home and at work.

Gwendolyn shared, “For over a decade, I have dedicated my career to Kaiser Permanente with a steadfast commitment to promoting holistic health and wellness for both patient and colleagues. As a registered nurse and herbalist, I integrate traditional healing practices with evidence-based nursing to support the mind, body and spirit”.

Gwendolyn has been a staff nurse at Kaiser Permanente for over 10 years and is supported by her leadership team to also teach her classes. She is now enrolled in the Caritas Coach Education Program to become a Caritas Coach.