National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week overlap this week which makes for quite the opportunity to celebrate our amazing health care heroes. For our hardworking nurses and hospital staff members, 2020 was a year like no other. And if we learned anything, it’s that it’s important to make sure you are taking care of yourself before you can take care of others.
This week, our Richmond market is opening special rooms for nurses and hospital staff members called “The Oasis” rooms. With one room slated for each of our seven hospitals in this market, team members will be encouraged to take a short break before, during or after their shift to center themselves and take a breath.
These spaces were a collaborative effort between a team of our nursing and mission leaders, as well as our trauma informed care team. The Richmond community made generous donations to support these efforts as well.
“We recognize the hard work our nurses and hospital staff have put in over the last year,” says Brenda Woodcock, chief nursing officer for Bon Secours Richmond. “Creating an Oasis for them to relax and recharge is just one way we can support them as they continue answering the call to serve our community. These rooms serve as a place where all associates, providers, nurses and hospital staff can briefly step away and re-center themselves.”
Amenities in the Oasis rooms vary from facility to facility, but may include:
- Massage or reclining chair
- Refreshments such as coffee, tea and water
- Healthy snacks
- Positive message board
- Ambient lighting
- Yoga mats for stretching and meditation
“Our hope is that the space is used for brief periods before, after or during shifts when our staff are dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed,” says Drew Burrichter, vice president of mission for Bon Secours Richmond. “The room can be used for prayer, meditation, hydration, to stretch or just to sit and have a snack. It is a place to assist with physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our caregivers.”
Learn about the health care services we offer at Bon Secours.
Also, read stories that celebrate our amazing Bon Secours nurses during National Nurses Week.
