The School of Nursing strives to advance the wellness of every individual and connect the School community with wellness resources across campus and within the greater Madison community
The School of Nursing is committed to fostering a sustainable culture of wellness to improve population health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff through positive culture change and wellness initiatives. Wellness initiatives may include implementing wellness activities, fostering belonging and inclusivity, integrating evidence-based preventative strategies, advising on policies and procedures, advising committees and leaders on system-based initiatives, and collaborating with students, faculty, and staff in the support of individual and collective well-being.
Defined by the National Wellness Institute as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence,” wellness encompasses multiple dimensions, which include, but are not limited to, physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, social, occupational, intellectual, and environmental wellness.
In January 2022, the School of Nursing formed the Wellness Advisory-Action Committee, a group that advises and assists in the development and enhancement of a culture of wellness to improve the health and well-being of all members of our School of Nursing community through wellness initiatives. Comprised of students, faculty, and staff, the committee quickly grew to over 20 dedicated members in its first year, and has continued to grow since. “We are so fortunate to have a diverse committee that brings varied knowledge, experiences, and ideas,” says Katie Pavek ’08, PhD’21, RN, School of Nursing wellness officer and clinical assistant professor. “Their excitement and commitment to this work has resulted in some great outcomes in the first year.”
Highlights of wellness initiatives that have been implemented over the last few years include a fall and spring semester wellness series that provides programming such as yoga and mindfulness sessions, and community walks to Picnic Point; the creation of a School of Nursing wellness website with resources, tools, and information; distributing Anchor Boxes throughout Cooper Hall for those who may be feeling lost or hopeless; monthly wellness activities such as gratitude boards, seed planting, pumpkin painting, and the ever-popular Dogs on Call therapy dog visits; and a wellness survey that was used to assess the strengths and needs of the School of Nursing community.
The committee also initiated a community food pantry after identifying a need within the School community. Located on the first floor of Signe Skott Cooper Hall, the community pantry is open to everyone, regardless of need, and offers items such as individually wrapped, non-perishable, non-expired items that do not require refrigeration. It is based on an honor system, and individuals are encouraged to take care of the space around the pantry, keeping it neat and tidy, while also taking only what they need and being respectful of others who may need to make use of the pantry. School community members are also encouraged to give to the pantry when they can by placing items in a donation bin next to the pantry. With various items available such as snacks, soups, and meals, it has already become a welcome addition to the School’s wellness efforts.
Did you know…
When Signe Skott Cooper Hall was completed in 2014, it marked the first time in decades that students would be able to have a space to relax, study, and unwind on green space outside. Cooper Hall’s lawn, at the time, was one of the few green areas available on the west side of campus. Taking a page from Florence Nightingale’s teachings, getting outside for plenty of sunshine and fresh air has been a common thread throughout the School’s history, and Cooper Hall’s light, airy interior and dedicated outdoor spaces are a reflection of Nightingale’s belief that human health and well-being are enhanced by natural light, access to the outdoors, and environments that support a sense of connectedness.