In a profession defined by compassion and resilience, the Nurses for Wellness Association (NFWA) at TCU shines as beacon of holistic care and resilience in the TCU Nursing community. More than just an organization, NFWA embodies a philosophy deeply rooted
in nursing education, dedicated to nurturing a culture of wellness and arming its
members with the tools they need for a fulfilling life.
The NFWA began with a passionate team of nursing students in fall 2023. Its research encompassed a spectrum of accredited studies with a particular focus on combating burnout — a pervasive challenge in the nursing profession. From this collective concern arose NFWA, driven by a shared vision to address the comprehensive well-being of nursing students and the broader community.
Nursing is such a unique major and no one can understand the stress and hardships that the students go through,” said Cody Heeb ’24, senior nursing student and NFWA member. “[NWFA] was designed to remind nursing students to put themselves first, giving different tips and opportunities to learn about self-care.”
While the Nurses for Wellness Association’s goals are ambitious, they resonate profoundly in today’s health care landscape. By cultivating a nurturing environment for nursing students, advocating for wellness through educational initiatives and actively engaging in community outreach, the association sets a course towards a brighter, healthier future. In an era where health care professionals face daunting challenges, NFWA stands as a pillar of resilience and empowerment.
NFWA’s impact doesn’t stop at the campus borders. From the Bebout Wellness Center for the Helping Professions Instagram page to dedicated cohort representatives and dynamic wellness events, the association creates a sense of community and support among its members. Monthly meetings serve not only as platforms for idea exchange but also as forums for decision-making and community building, fostering a vibrant sense of community within TCU’s Harris College.
The NFWA is open to full-time sophomore II – senior nursing students enrolled in 12
or more hours, offering each student a sanctuary of support and understanding. Recognizing
the diverse stressors faced by nursing students, particularly in clinical settings,
where confronting the realities of patient care can be emotionally taxing, NFWA equips
its members with invaluable tools to navigate and manage these challenges effectively.
“Research demonstrates that provider wellness influences patient outcomes,” said Danielle Walker Ph.D., associate professor in nursing and coordinator of the Bebout Wellness Center. “Just like we need to train our students to be high quality care providers, we need to help them learn how to best care for themselves. NWFA is for students and by students. It will help create and sustain a culture of wellness within TCU Nursing.”
Looking ahead, NFWA’s vision extends beyond TCU, aspiring to impact other universities and health care settings. Through a steadfast commitment to promoting teamwork, open communication and stress management techniques from the onset of students’ careers, NFWA strives to create a safer and more supportive environment for nurses — a vision that resonates with the essence of compassionate health care.