CHALLENGE // lack of support for black students & CRNAs
Nursing students and CRNAs who identify as Black have difficulty finding support groups within the profession that were intentional about supporting the wellness of Black students or CRNAs from a mental and emotional standpoint working or going to school in predominantly white institutions. In addition, there is little support to help nursing professionals manage and work through the stress they experience due to racial challenges occurring within our society and longstanding institutions.
SOLUTION // community built for stress relief & healing
The goal of the Wellness Support Group is to help nursing professionals from BIPOC communities move from hope to healing to alleviate the negative impact of racial stressors experienced on a regular basis. Using the CARE Model, we hope to empower nursing programs around the country with the tools to provide their students and nursing professionals with the mental and emotional support they need to succeed in their careers.
find community //
Join the wellness support group
In partnership with Ithemba Counseling, we’ve launched curated guided discussion groups for CRNA students who identify as Black. These weekly meetings create space for students to share their experiences and find solace in community. We provide an emotional support network that each student can leverage as they navigate their academic career and beyond.
The (CARE) Model // The Process from Hope to Healing
1.
connectedness //
Trust
The first step of the CARE Model is the recognition of hardships and bearing witness to associated emotions. The group focuses on building trust to connect the group on an individual and community level.
2.
Acknowledgement // Vulnerability
The second step of the CARE Model is bringing light to these hardships and openly communicating past experiences with the group.
3.
RESILIENCE //
FLEXIBILITY
The third step of the CARE Model is helping the people develop internal endurance. By having a heightened sense of mental flexibility, it allows the group members to create new experiences and grow psychologically.
4.
EMERGENCE //
UNDERSTANDING
The fourth and final step of the CARE Model is moving beyond despair to the realization of hope. Once this is achieved, the individuals and the group are able to imagine new possibilities.
