Organizational Wellness
A healthy organization is in the best shape to support staff, residents, and family members. Everyone has a part to play in creating a safe and supportive community for all members. Organizational culture change in the realm of trauma-informed care requires commitment and engagement from the Administrator, leadership team, Board of Directors, staff, and residents.
As within any new approach, there may be barriers to getting started with implementation and sustainability. Typically, these barriers fall within three broad categories: lack of resources, staff turnover, and lack of time (Kusmaul, 2022). Trauma-informed care can be adapted without burdensomeness.
Here are some strategies to address these barriers:
Resource Allocation
Prioritize trauma-informed initiatives within existing resources. Small changes, such as integrating trauma-informed principles into existing training programs, can have a significant impact.
Staff Turnover
Invest in staff retention through supportive practices, such as peer support groups and professional counseling. Creating a positive, trauma-informed workplace culture can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
Time Management
Integrate trauma-informed practices into daily routines. Simple actions, such as mindful communication and consistent routines, can be implemented without requiring additional time.
In this brief video, the Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resources Center shares a perspective on getting started and thinking incrementally.
Trauma-informed care implementation will take a unique path within every organization because the strengths, resources, and limitations of nursing facilities vary widely. This variability can make implementation a challenge.
Begin with this video, which suggests four steps to beginning your organizational journey into trauma-informed care. Then, explore each of the four steps in more detail.