NHPCO NewsLine October 2013 - (Page 18)

How 5 Hospices are Helping Staff Feel Better — On and Off the Job Amid the ever-increasing demands of running a hospice program, it’s more important than ever to support your organization’s staff and volunteers. So here, NewsLine shares some of the ways providers are doing just that — from sponsoring healthy and festive ‘Fruity Fridays’ and monthly programs that nurture the spirit… to wellness benefits that reward healthy activities. At Hospice Savannah: “Our Wellness Program continues to grow,” says HR director, Ron Williams, MBA, PHR. ”We offer three weekly yoga classes at times very convenient for staff. And at both our administrative office and hospice house, we have a designated walking route, replete with maps. Every Friday is also known as ‘Fruity Friday’ since we provide staff with fresh fruit from local farmers.” The organization offers several creative, seasonal initiatives as well that do a great job of creating a sense of community. To celebrate spring, the hospice holds its quarterly staff meeting on a Friday and has coined the 18 NHPCO NewsLine day, “Flip-flop Friday” since staff can wear their flip flops and indulge in free manicures and pedicures after the meeting, courtesy of a local cosmetology school. “It’s been a wonderful way to show appreciation and give our staff a little pampering,” Williams says. For the third consecutive year, the organization has also designated the week of May 13 as its “Week of Wellness” which culminates with a Wellness Fair on Friday. This year’s Fair featured local providers who shared information and tips on staying physically and financially fit as well as a “Wall of Thanks” where staff could write notes of appreciation to one another. The Fair also served as the kickoff for three new wellness initiatives: a Hospice Savannah Farmers Market where staff could share produce from their home gardens throughout the summer; a Coupon Exchange; and a book-sharing library. At State of the Heart Hospice: Bereavement team specialists at State of the Heart Hospice, who are social workers by training, facilitate Compassionate Care Groups eight times a year to help support the organization’s directcare clinical staff and volunteers. “These group meetings give the staff and volunteers the chance to offer and receive support from coworkers on a range of issues,”

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NHPCO NewsLine October 2013

Creating a Professional Paradise
A Message From Don
The Wired Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers Recognized at CTC
Social Media Campaign to Dispel Myths
FHSSA Champions Program
Simione Consulting (display ad)
Three Ways to Gain Knowledge… (display ad)
How 5 Hospices are Helping Staff Feel Better…
FHSSA: Thank You to Our Sponsors (display ad)
NHF Gala: Save the Date (display ad)
Member News and Notes
Compliance Tip
Virtual Conference: Nov 4-8 (display ad)
Videos Worth Watching
Links to Resources on the NHPCO Website
NHF News

NHPCO NewsLine October 2013