In addition to the valuable connections we made with travelers across the country, TravCon also presented our Prolink Clinical Team with the opportunity to share their impactful work in the form of poster presentations. Natalie Jones, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, Senior Vice President of Clinical Practice and Innovation, shared how her team established a recognition program for allied clinicians and insights from her whitepaper on mental health.
Read a full summary and download PDF versions of both posters below.
Protecting Nurses’ Well-Being: A Blueprint to Support Mental Health
Nurses comprise the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and are the primary source of direct patient care. However, with shortages on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to protect the mental well-being of our nursing workforce. Nurses who experience burnout and other negative outcomes are more likely to leave their jobs and suffer mental health consequences. Our study aimed to better understand the strategies nurses use to protect their well-being and evaluate them in relation to the resources Prolink offers.
Prolink surveyed 267 travel nurses on their mental health strategies and practices. The most highly utilized strategies included:
- Exercise & Therapy (21%)
- Psychiatric Medication (18%)
- Time Off Work (17%)
- Spending Time w/ Friends & Family (15.5%)
- Vacations (13%)
Our findings demonstrate an opportunity for synergy between self-care and employer-provided resources. Through our EAP (Employee Assistance Plan), Prolink provides clinicians with:
- Free financial, legal, and personal assistance
- Video counseling with licensed mental health professionals
- Self-paced coaching for anxiety, sleep issues, and more
Our study also asked nurses what mental health services they would like to see from employers and organizations. Click below to download the full poster and see their suggestions.
Recognition of Service Excellence: The Importance of Meaningful Recognition for Allied Professionals
When compared with prestigious nursing recognition programs like the DAISY Award, allied clinicians have traditionally lacked a formal recognition process that honors those who go above and beyond. Informal methods like small gifts, acknowledgement from managers, and gratitude from patients can go a long way, but a formal award program can enhance satisfaction and engagement to a different degree.
Implemented by Prolink in 2023, the ROSE Award, an acronym for Recognition of Service Excellence, was designed to honor and celebrate Prolink allied health clinicians who excel in the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused care. Those eligible for nomination include:
- Respiratory therapists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Imaging and surgical techs
- Psychologists
- Phlebotomists
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Medical lab technologists
ROSE winners are recognized on Prolink’s website and social media and given a certificate and a plaque signifying their achievement. Since the inception of the program, Prolink achieved a 91% completion and retention rate among nominees on assignment. As shortages and supply challenges continue to develop in the allied healthcare workforce, enthusiastic and heartfelt recognition for high-quality care can go a long way to support a more engaged workforce.
To learn more about Prolink’s future plans for the ROSE program, click below to download the full poster.
Driving Better Clinical Outcomes
The Prolink Clinical Team works tirelessly to deliver better outcomes for patients and clinicians alike. The team is at the heart of Prolink’s mission to provide a world-class experience for healthcare professionals. With two purpose-driven divisions, Talent Experience and Professional Practice, the team drives clinical quality and competency with a talent-first mindset. Click below to learn more about their work.
