Title : Wellness at work: Supporting nurse leaders
Abstract:
Nursing leadership in rural healthcare settings is increasingly challenged by workforce stress, burnout, incivility, and the emotional demands of patient care. To support workforce well-being and strengthen leadership resilience, a rural community hospital implemented a dedicated Wellness Coach in June 2024. The Wellness Coach, a licensed mental health professional, was established as a resource for both bedside staff and nurse leaders, aligning with the organization’s strategic goal of “Investing in Our People” and national priorities focused on healthy work environments and workforce well-being. The purpose of this project was to evaluate nurse leaders’ perceptions of the Wellness Coach role and explore its impact on leader well-being, resilience, leadership effectiveness, and team support. In August 2025, a survey was distributed to 15 local nurse leaders, with 14 responses received. The survey included Likert-scale and yes/no questions related to resilience, workplace support, advocacy, and utilization of the Wellness Coach resource. Results demonstrated overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the Wellness Coach role. Fifty percent of respondents strongly agreed and 21% agreed that access to the Wellness Coach positively impacted their overall well-being. Additionally, 50% strongly agreed and 14% agreed that the role enhanced their resilience and ability to cope with workplace challenges. All respondents reported feeling comforted knowing staff could be referred to the Wellness Coach, while 79% of leaders personally sought assistance from the coach to support staff concerns. The role was also viewed as an important employee advocate during difficult conversations involving conflict, bullying, or incivility. Notably, 43% of leaders adjusted staffing to allow employees time during shifts to meet with the Wellness Coach, demonstrating a cultural commitment to prioritizing workforce well-being. Findings suggest that embedding a Wellness Coach within nursing services strengthens leadership support, promotes psychological safety, and enhances team resilience. Nurse leaders perceived the Wellness Coach as a trusted partner who helped mitigate workplace stressors while improving their ability to lead effectively in challenging environments. This initiative demonstrates the value of proactive, evidence-informed wellness interventions in strengthening nurse leadership and fostering healthier work environments in rural healthcare settings.
