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Simple Serenity Stress
Reduction Program For Medical Caregivers
The
landscape of medical care is changing drastically. Medical
caregivers are subject to high levels of stress and the
results on the individual at risk are often serious and all
too often, life threatening.
Burnout
defines a state of mental and/or psychological exhaustion
caused by excessive and prolonged stress. The process of
burnout encompasses changes in attitude and behavior
impacting the quality of services that a medical caregiver
provides. Many traits identified as being characteristics of
good medical service can frequently lead to emotional
exhaustion followed by burnout.
Hard
work, long hours, dedication to quality patient care and a
desire to remain informed of current medical knowledge shape
the daily life of caregivers. The tendency to work excessive
hours along with a deep sense of responsibility often become
part of a medical caregiver’s personality. Many times the
response is to work harder which taxes both the medical
professional and their partners and families. Because of
personality characteristics, emotional conflict and the
changing scope of today’s health care system, medical
caregivers are at serious risk for burnout.
In
order to provide quality patient care, it is imperative for
medical caregivers to learn stress reduction skills and
participate in a stress reduction program. Designed for
medical professionals, Medical Caregivers Stress Reduction
Program© is an 8 week, in-service training for hospitals and
care giving institutions. It consists of eight weekly
two-hour classes and one all-day weekend session. It
includes guided instruction in mindfulness meditation and
yoga practices, exercises to enhance awareness in everyday
life, daily mindfulness assignments, and methods for
improving communication. There is strong emphasis on working
with the body by using the body scan and yoga exercises
which both strengthen the body and release muscular tension.
A
complimentary preliminary interview and an exit appointment
are required for participation.
In this
program, caregivers will be provided with:
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Effective ways to manage stress, pain and illness
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Specific tools to integrate class material into daily
life
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Instruction in relaxation and mindfulness meditation
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Yoga exercises that enhance mobility and build awareness
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A
supportive group for sharing experiences
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Guided CD’s to use at home or at work
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A
professional workbook
This
program is written by a nurse with extensive professional
experience in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and
advanced certifications in yoga. She is currently teaching
stress reduction programs at Evergreen Hospital in the
Seattle area, the inner city of Tacoma, Washington, as well
as privately. She is the author of Physician Burnout: A
Preventive Solution.
Fees
and Dates:
For
more information, including fees and dates for the next
retreat, please contact Simple Serenity.
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