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Creating a Mindful Workplace: How Cleveland Clinic's Nurses Recharge on the Job

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MIndful Petals
October 25, 2024

In the thick of the pandemic, nurses across the world faced exhaustion and burnout, and Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital was no exception. To help combat the mounting stress, a program called Connect + Recharge was launched, offering nurses a way to unwind during their shifts with simple but effective mindfulness and wellness activities. Co-created by Josh Campbell, BSN, RN, CMSRN, and Julie Kocon, BSN, RN, this initiative provided much-needed mental and emotional support to the hardworking staff. Let’s dive into how this program took shape and how it continues to make an impact on nurses’ well-being.

Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash

How It All Began
Josh Campbell, an assistant nurse manager, noticed that his team was feeling the toll of the pandemic. Press Ganey scores revealed that staff were struggling to maintain their usual high standards of care due to stress and fatigue. Campbell, along with fellow nurse Julie Kocon, decided something needed to change. Together, they formed a committee in 2021 and kicked off the Connect + Recharge program. Their mission was straightforward: to create a culture of mindfulness in the workplace, giving nurses daily opportunities to de-stress and reconnect, both with themselves and their colleagues.

Mindfulness Activities for Nurses
The Connect + Recharge program introduced a variety of daily wellness activities designed to give nurses quick mental and emotional breaks. These activities were displayed on a calendar at the nurses’ station, and nurses could pick whichever activity resonated with them that day. Here’s a look at some of the most popular ones:

  • Thirsty Thursday: A pop-up coffee and tea bar offered a relaxing break, where nurses could grab a hot drink and enjoy a few peaceful moments.

  • Savasana Sunday: Chair yoga led by the unit’s health coordinator helped nurses release tension with simple stretching and breathing exercises.

  • Tell Us About You Tuesday: Fun and social, this activity allowed nurses to share personal stories, like favorite songs or vacation spots, which helped build stronger connections among colleagues.

  • Dad Joke Fridays: Nurses lightened the mood with cheesy jokes, adding some much-needed humor to their busy day.

The program offered both group and solo activities, recognizing that everyone recharges differently. Some nurses joined the fun group activities, while others preferred quiet moments of reflection.

Expanding the Program’s Reach
As the program grew, the committee recruited a clinical nurse to act as a wellness champion, spreading the word about Cleveland Clinic’s broader wellness resources. Another significant addition was the introduction of a “break nurse” role. These nurses worked shorter shifts, filling in for others so that every nurse could take a proper break, even on hectic days.

And then there was Rosie, the registered therapy dog. Rosie’s weekly visits brought comfort and joy to both the staff and the patients. Her presence quickly became a highlight, with her gentle nature providing a sense of calm to those around her.

Results and Lasting Impact
The results of the Connect + Recharge program were clear. For two years running, the nursing team’s Press Ganey scores improved, particularly in how they rated the stress they felt. Nurses found the program effective, and while the formal activity calendar is no longer in use, the focus on mindfulness and self-care remains strong. The lessons learned from the program have stuck, reminding nurses to prioritize their own well-being as they care for others.


The Connect + Recharge program shows how even small mindfulness practices can make a big difference in the workplace. By offering caregivers ways to relax and recharge, Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital created a supportive environment where nurses feel valued and cared for. The legacy of this initiative continues, as nurses carry forward the importance of mindfulness and self-care in their everyday work.


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