Last spring, results from the well-being index survey taken by providers noted how self-care, outdoor activities and volunteering helped peel away work-related stress. Intake from survey results aided Advanced Practice Provider (APP) subcommittees and provider resilience committees in their efforts to create new options for providers to improve mental and physical health, volunteer closer to work locations all while enhancing opportunities for providers to network with one another.
Shawn Schuster (MSN, NNP-BC), neonatal nurse practitioner, encourages fellow APPs to volunteer at the Akron Children’s Food Farmacy
Shawn’s variable work schedule in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) meant finding volunteer opportunities with versatile hours.
“What drew me to volunteering at the Food Farmacy was the flexibility and that it was located at the hospital, a familiar environment,” said Shawn, who sought out volunteer options needed during the weekday.
The Food Farmacy offers multiple day and times to volunteer as well as different tasks to support.
“I’m generally an introverted person, so on my first visit, I chose a delivery day so that I could learn more about how the Food Farmacy operates,” Shawn shared.
Shawn Schuster restocks items for families who will shop the Akron Food Farmacy.
Like Shawn, volunteers may assist with restocking the coolers and shelves, helping unload and restock on delivery days or assist with families who “shop” for their food items based on the number of people in their household.
Volunteer time slots are approximately 2 hours and may be “stacked” to stay longer and to complete a task. Shawn enjoys the connection and community interactions the Food Farmacy provides.
“Families appreciate the service and that they have a choice of which food items they receive from the available stock, so that they only receive items that they know they will use or that meet their particular religious or cultural needs,” explains Shawn.
To sign up to volunteer at the Food Farmacy, click here.
“If you are unsure of committing to a long-term volunteer activity, I think the Food Farmacy is a great opportunity to ease into. I have found volunteering to be very rewarding. I am a very task-oriented person; for like-minded individuals, this is an activity that will keep you engaged.”
APPs gather for Summit Metro Parks hiking spree
Each summer and fall, the Summit Country Metro Parks offer a hiking spree throughout 13 designated trail paths. Inspired by this offering, Marlene Thompson (MSN, APRN-CNP, Rheumatology), with the support of APP council leaders, launched the APP Hiking Spree starting in June and running through the end of September.
Advanced Practice colleagues join for hiking and conversation earlier this summer.
“Members of APP Council volunteered to lead the hikes in pairs,” explained Marlene, who led 3 hikes herself. Marlene finds that this activity provides the opportunity to build community while enjoying the fresh air to combat stress.
Director of Advanced Practice Jen Michel (DNP, APRN-CNP, Emergency Medicine), also joined in on the summer hiking fun. “We recognize our staff is growing outside of main campus,” she said, “and I want to motivate colleagues to grab a co-worker and attend an upcoming event.”
Akron Children’s nurse anesthetist loves ‘creating wellness in people’
Lenore France, certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and registered yoga instructor, taught on-site yoga classes at Akron Children’s in 2024-25.
A core element of yoga is breathing, and learning the right techniques can help inside and outside of class.
“What’s the first thing we do when we get stressed? We hold our breath,” Lenore said. “Just taking a breath can help us feel less overwhelmed or disappointed. It’s something that took me years to practice – to start breathing and take a step back when my stress level rose.”
Lenore finds her inner peace during a tranquil yoga practice.
Outside of her role as a CRNA, Lenore is a certified personal trainer who works with clients ranging from 20-year-olds to senior citizens. She also teaches paddleboard yoga, spinning and Pilates. “I have always been trying to make people healthier, which I did through nursing and then got into anesthesia after that,” she said. “I really enjoy making people healthier in a more physical way now, and I’ve been blessed with the health to do it. I love creating wellness in people.”
To submit ideas to the Sports and Leisure team or to submit questions to the Provider Resilience committee, please complete the Idea Intake Form.
