“The retreat really allowed us to see a side of our coworkers that we had not experienced before. It allowed a vulnerability that we typically do not see in healthcare leadership. It was refreshing to see that humanistic side of our peers.” – program participant from Jefferson North nurse managers
Cranaleith is proud to share that our Communities of Practice initiative has had a beautiful and impactful start. With the growing recognition that certain professions are experiencing a high burnout rate, Cranaleith decided to embark on a new endeavor to help heal the wounds that so many professionals are experiencing, particularly in the health, education social work, and business fields. We currently offer three programs as professional development opportunities (educators can receive Act 48 credits): “Camaraderie in the Workplace,” “Hopeful Living (Fill Your Bucket),” and “Journey to Healing: Grief and Resilience.” Organizations can choose one specific program for their experience, or they can also customize their program to fit their needs.
Cranaleith offers a place of sanctuary where we can listen deeply, rekindle your mission, and renew your spirit. Through our Communities of Practice program, participants can enjoy expert facilitation with thoughtful and engaging activities in our state-of-the-art Conference Center, spend reflective time on the 10 acres of our beautiful grounds, and replenish with a nourishing meal by our on-site chef.
Bernadette Rudolph, Director of Facilitation & Strategic Partnerships at Cranaleith, has led this effort. The first program offered was with the faculty of the St. James School on April 15 where educators participated in the “Journey to Healing” program. Part of the retreat opens a chance to process grief and trauma from the pandemic. Teachers and health care professionals are still reeling from their experiences during the pandemic, which are still making ripples in their day-today work. Principal, David McDonough said, “We should have done this two years ago.”
Over the past several months, Bernadette has led three workshops for Jeff North Health Systems nurse managers; giving the cohort a chance to experience all three programs. Bernadette collaborated with Michelle Conley DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer and Assistant Professor at Jefferson College of Nursing. It’s Michelle’s concern for her staff and her vision that brought Jefferson to Cranaleith. Jefferson North has committed to continuing to bring nurses through our Communities of Practice programs in the coming months.
The most recent program occurred on July 12 when Bernadette facilitated the “Camaraderie in the Workplace” program with the Jeff North Health nurses. The camaraderie program works on team building, by focusing on respect and support instead of approaching your work individually. For many professionals, this kind of whole feels unusual these days. Many people see work as just a job, where they do what they must, draw a paycheck and go home. The camaraderie program encourages individuals to shift their focus away from an overly individualistic approach and aims for a community of co-workers. Through group discussion, personal reflection, rituals and problem-solving, program participants name the values that underpin a true community, make plans for living out these values, reclaim the strengths they bring to the workplace and discover how the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts.
Would you like to learn more about our Communities of Practice programs? Click on the link to the brochure and our informational video.
For questions or to schedule a program, contact Bernadette Rudolph.
Bernadette Rudolph, MA, MS
Director of Facilitation and Strategic Partnerships
Cranaleith Spiritual Center 215-934-6206, Ext 117
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