Serenity Room: An oasis of calm for caregivers

The nature of providing patient care often places stress on caregivers, and during any health care crisis, such as the current coronavirus pandemic, this stress is further amplified. With this in mind, French Hospital created a Serenity Room for caregivers and hospital staff—a calming, private space designed to provide the opportunity for relaxation, self-reflection and self-care.

Stephanie Walczuk, RN (below), Assistant Nurse Manager for French Hospital’s Telemetry Department, recognized that staff needed additional support during COVID-19. She spearheaded the effort to create an oasis of calm for caregivers in order to foster resiliency, manage stress and maintain positivity.

“Being a nurse or physician can be stressful during regular times, but I saw the added stress that the pandemic was placing on our staff,” says Stephanie. “I felt that if we had somewhere to go that we could regroup and focus on taking care of ourselves for a moment, it would be so beneficial for us and, as a result, for the care of our patients.”

Thanks to her vision, the support of French Hospital administration and donor generosity, the new Serenity Room offers a much-needed refuge, allowing caregivers to manage stress and improve their wellbeing. The Serenity Room provides the equipment, tools and relaxing space needed for self-care and self-reflection during break times. The room features a soothing environment, a body movement area for yoga or stretching, a meditation area, a massage chair, an aromatherapy area and a serenity area for journaling, self-affirmation and more.

Since opening in April 2020, the Serenity Room has become a true oasis for staff and is highly used. Staff continue to express gratitude for the space and to the many donors who contributed items and funds to support its creation.