The Caring Science Academy (CSA) is a new program designed to help nurses increase resilience, promote inner balance, and connect with what is most important in their lives.
The pilot program was developed by 4 Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Caritas Coaches and HeartMath Trainers in response to widespread burnout, physical exhaustion, and compassion fatigue among health care workers during the pandemic.
“We did a research study with our first cohort to see if Caring Science can truly help reduce burnout and we proved that it does,” said Rachel Wyatt, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nurse Executive, South Sacramento Medical Center. This was the first nurse research study conducted by her team.
They opened the program to staff who have been with the organization for at least 6 months and provide direct patient care, even providing continuing education credits. Participants can benefit from a transformational experience that aims to build resilience and provide participants with tools that help them connect back to purpose
and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
“The focus is on resilience and caring for self, and how that connects you back to your purpose as a nurse. Hearing from the staff who were in the course, and what it did for them personally and professionally… It’s truly transformative. For me personally, it’s been a cup-filler to see what it does for our nurses,” Rachel continued.
The enhanced Caring Science Academy modules and program plan will be offered across the region.
To learn more about the Caring Science Academy and how to get involved in this work, please contact kpnursescholars@kp.org.