Journal Article

HEALING OUR HEALTHCARE HEROES: A STAFF REIKI PROGRAM

Parry, Mary Kate

2023

Overview

Reiki is a technique for stress reduction, relaxation, and healing. Reiki is based on the idea that an unseen energy flows throughout all things including the body. When this energy is low one may be prone to sickness or stress. When this energy is high one is more capable of living a happy and healthy life. Reiki is administered by the light touch of a practitioner through a series of hand positions that directly affect this unseen energy or \"ki.\" The nursing profession, especially during a pandemic, can experience a high level of burnout. Due to the nature of their work, oncology nurses can suffer an emotional toll and currently there is little in place to help staff cope. Reiki can support nursing staff with feelings of stress, burnout, and physical or emotional fatigue. The literature demonstrated that Reiki effectively decreases stress and anxiety with only a few sessions. A staff Reiki program was developed and implemented in a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center to help staff relieve stress, increase morale, and decrease burnout. This innovative nursing initiative to improve the wellbeing of nurses and ancillary staff who were at risk of experiencing burnout was the first of its kind throughout the organization's 70+ outpatient cancer center sites. Time was designated for this Reiki certified practitioner to offer Reiki to nursing and ancillary staff. An informative email was sent providing directions for those interested. One hour time slots were offered bimonthly, and a quiet space was designated for the 20-minute sessions. Data was collected pre- and post- session. Pre-data showed that 85% of those who received Reiki did not understand the technique as compared to 100% of staff post session. 100% of staff reported experiencing stress at work and reported that a Reiki program could improve morale. Since the program began in September 2020, there has been an extremely positive response. Staff report pain relief and decreased stress levels following a session. As of now, 100% of the 127 participants have reported positive outcomes. Staff engagement continues to be extremely active with the Reiki program. Out of the 127 participants, 45 sought out sessions for pain and stress at times outside of the program. Overall moral improved. Future goals include training additional Reiki practitioners and expanding the program to other network sites.

• Publisher: Oncology Nursing Society
• Subject: Burnout / Cancer / Nursing / Oncology / Reiki / Stress