We saw a 75 percent drop in absenteeism from work, a 40 percent drop in smoking, reduced anxiety, depression, irritability and fatigue, along with better concentration and improved sleeping habits. We believe stress relaxation may help manage or even prevent certain diseases, especially those with strong stress elements, such as hypertension and cancer. Building on the research, a course was custom-tailored for nurses. There are four modules, each focusing on a different technique for relaxation. Our work at the bedside requires constant patience and compassion, as well as a lot of professional competence and high tech skills, said Dr. Nurit Wagner, Head of Nursing at Hadassah Medical Organization.
Nurses invest in long and arduous training, but then leave the profession because of burn-out.
I m eager for them to have the skills to cope with the pressure cooker environment. Dr. Wagner went beyond recommending the new course. The head of nursing in the thousand-bed hospital set an example by becoming one of the course s first students. I nearly skipped one session, says Wagner, because I felt I was coming down with the flu. The relaxation techniques gave me an energy that has stayed with me.