The Vallejo Caring Council was established in April 2023 with the goal/purpose: to prevent burn out through self-care connection to our nursing theory, Caring Science. 
This dedicated group of nurses has committed themselves to learning more about Caring Science through monthly meetings and spreading resilience and care practices throughout the hospital (nursing and beyond). They truly care about their peers and are constantly striving to do more. 

Some of the activities the Caring Council has created or participated in: 
Sponsored Patient Experience Week in September with an entire week of activities, such as: 

• Provide a fresh rose to every patient in the hospital with a thank you note allowing us to care for them
• Brought live music to all units 
• Brought “pet therapy” to all units
• Led Caring Moments reflections in their units, specifically asking their peers to take a moment to sit at the bedside during the week and reflect on this practice
• Caring Cart, monthly themes (snacks and giveaways) 
• The council operates the schedule of individuals who decorate and then take the cart around monthly 
• The cart visits all departments in the hospital (not just Nursing, even thought the council consists of mostly nurses)
• The cart brings flyers of upcoming Caring Science and Heart Math classes as well as information about Caring Science (our nursing theory)
• Often those in charge of the Caring Cart will bring a massage gun with them and offer 3 minutes massages to the staff on the floor
• Sponsored a booth during Nurses Week
• Invited visitors to the booth to paint a rock with an inspirational message (for them to keep)
• Shared information about upcoming Caring Science and Heart Math classes
• Shared information about our nursing theory
• During the holidays members of the committee led caroling at the piano in the lobby and took the live music to each inpatient unit as well
• This included a jazz clarinet, piano, and even organ/keyboard
• During our Magnet site survey, the Caring Council provided our surveyors and teams with a reminder to access to our Caritas Rooms as needed for solitude during this stressful time

I would like to nominate the Caring Council members for their undying compassion in assisting the staff with how to reduce stress in the workplace. They have donated their time, finances, effort, and due diligence to ensure all departments are rounded on monthly and be able to enjoy what the council has to offer. In December, they sang Christmas carols at the hospital lobby and at patient care services units. I have witnessed our members who stopped by at the lobby and took the time to enjoy the music and just be in the moment of hearing holiday songs. I have also witnessed patients and family members crying while they were being serenaded by the group. Their presence made a difference to a lot of people. Who would have thought of that? The Caring Council Members!