Coaching for Staff Well-Being

The second purpose of patient safety coaching is to support staff wellbeing so they continue to keep patients safe from harm. Staff who are enthusiastic and motivated at work deliver excellent patient care. Those who are overloaded with staff shortages, lack of resources, equipment failures, or systemic/cultural issues may burnout and leave the organization. To prevent a staff exodus, healthcare organizations are now realizing that they need to provide developmentally focused interventions to support staff wellbeing. They are realizing the power of coaching to bring staff back from work overload and trauma-induced emotions and help them return to work reenergized and recommitted to their work’s purpose. Staff who participate in a coaching program become more resilient, emotionally strong, and resourceful. They learn to value each day and repeat the experiences that bring them joy and happiness. At the same time, they bring a greater joy to their work environment, including to patients who benefit from their uplifted mood. Staff who present to shift alert, self-aware, and confident in their ability to perform well are able to navigate through the trauma that may result following an adverse event. Those who are motivated, enthusiastic, and empowered demonstrate the emotional strength that inspires confidence in all around them. Patients benefit when staff operate “in the flow” on a daily basis, supported by leaders who coach them when necessary to help them learn, grow, and develop to become excellent clinical practitioners.