vellum is addressing a critical problem with real solutions.
Studies indicate healthcare professional burnout now ranges from 40-70% (Cheney, 2021). Over 50% of nurses have reported symptoms of at least one mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or trauma (Horvath & Grass, 2021). The share of nurses considering leaving their current role is 32% (Berlin, Lapointe, & Murphy, 2022) resulting in 1.1 million more nurses needed to fill the shortfall this year alone (Wolters Kluwer, 2022). In response, many healthcare organizations have prioritized well-being with the aim to improve personal and professional satisfaction among clinical teams.
vellum is a solution to equip healthcare organizations to get ahead of issues prompting nurses to leave the bedside through simple modifications in everyday behavior. The underpinning of this product is understanding the importance of self-awareness, managing emotions, motivating oneself, recognizing emotions in others and handling relationships.
Primarily, we can improve personal and professional satisfaction through genuine human connection. We believe that simple workplace habits like personal reflection and team-wide sharing will translate into meaningful, rewarding connection with one another. We know that authenticity and a transparent emphasis on emotional health drives professional satisfaction and healthy work environments.
A mobile application provides individuals the space to pause and reflect on their current emotional state and then, if comfortable, share those reflections with their nursing teammates. This sharing of feelings allows teammates to connect with and validate one another’s feelings. This will in turn strengthen our culture of caring, connection, and vulnerability with one another. We want to empower nurses to be open about their emotional health. We are seeking to drive a culture where we reach out and lift one another building camaraderie through empathy and connection.
The evidence
Positive and healthy relationships among colleagues have a profound impact on the professional satisfaction and organizational commitment of nurses. Negative relationships in the workplace function as a major contributor for nurses wanting to leave their careers. However, positive relationships are a strong motivating force that keep them in the workforce (Shin & Park, 2022). Furthermore, workplace conditions that foster support of nursing practice such as the promotion of civil working relationships through human interactive connection, and the personal development of resilience are key contributors to lower levels of burnout and emotional exhaustion resulting in increased professional satisfaction (Hart, Brannan, & De Chesnay, 2014).
Strengthening communication and connections helps teams feel valued and understood. This creates a foundation team members can empathize and support each other authentically and effectively.
vellum technology:
- Improves the work environment by promoting respect for self and others
- Slows burn out through proactive identification
- Supports leader development by increasing sensitivity to psychological health and well-being of team
- Increases the support experienced by team members leading to increased engagement and reduction in turnover
- Improves clinical quality, patient experience, patient outcomes, and operational outcomes
- Reduces organizational costs through decreased attrition impacting subsequent recruiting and onboarding costs, and use of temporary (agency/traveler) staffing
- Supports a culture of safety by recognizing and honoring our team’s limits
- Contributes to employee joy through mindfulness
References:
Berlin, G., Lapointe, M., & Murphy, M. (2022, February 17). Nurses and other healthcare professionals shed light on why they are considering leaving, as well
as what might make them stay. [McKinsey & Company]. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/surveyed
nurses-consider-leaving-direct-patient-care-at-elevated-rates
Cheney, C. (2021, December 15). Expert: Healthcare worker burnout trending in alarming direction. Healthleaders.
Hart, P.L., Brannan, J.D. & De Chesnay, M. (2014). Resilience in nurses: an integrative review. Journal of Nursing Management, 22, 720–734.
Horvath, C. & Grass, N. (2021). Pandemic, Economic Uncertainty, and Protests: What Will Happen to Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists - Resiliency or
Burnout?, AANA Journal, 89(5), 413-418.
Shin, B.J., Park, E.Y. The life history narrative of clinical nurses with more than 30 years of experience. BMC Nursing, 21, 93
(2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-022-00871-9
Soler-Gonzalez, J., Delgado-Bolton, R., & Vivanco, L. (2017). Human connections and their roles in the occupational well-being of healthcare professionals: a study on loneliness and empathy. Frontiers in Psychology, 8.
Wolters Kluwer. (2022, April 1). The nursing shortage demands boldness and creativity. Now.
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