In the fast-paced world of health care, stress can easily feel like part of the job, but two WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital nurses took steps to keep it manageable for  their fellow team members.  

Emergency department nurses Carrie Derse and Morgan Wallech saw firsthand how constant pressure can take a toll on caregivers, and lead to anxiety, compassion fatigue and even burnout. Backed by hospital leaders, they set out to create something different: a space dedicated to restoring balance. 

“When we started the project, we said if we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right,” Carrie explained. “We want this to be a place where team members can truly pause, breathe and recharge.” 

Now, their vision is a reality with the opening of the lavender room, a calming retreat tucked inside the hospital’s outpatient lab area. The room is designed for all hospital team members to serve as a quiet haven where they can step away for a short time to focus on their well-being before returning to care for others. 

Why Lavender? 
Research shows that stressful health care environments can lead to negative health outcomes, decreased productivity and increased absenteeism. The lavender room aims to counter that by offering tools for relaxation and mindfulness. Inside, team members will find: 

• A massage chair for physical relief 
• Soft lighting and soothing sounds 
• Coloring pages and laughter books 
• Activity books like Sudoku and word searches 
• A shared journal for reflection 
• Fidget items for stress release 
• Dried lavender and essential oils 
• Cozy pillows and blankets 

How It Works 
Team members can reserve a 15-minute session in advance through an online sign-up sheet or they can use the room anytime it’s available. Before they visit they’re encouraged to complete an anonymous compassion fatigue survey, a tool that will help measure the impact of the lavender room over time.  

Feedback is key to shaping the future of this space. “We’re hoping team members will utilize the room and share their ideas,” Morgan said. “This is about creating something that truly meets their needs.” 

Carrie Derse adds some finishing touches to the room. 

Efforts Around the System 

WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital’s lavender room is the latest WellSpan hospital to designate a team well-being spot. Similar spaces designed to allow team members to recharge and focus on personal well-being have been introduced in other WellSpan hospitals and care locations.  

These dedicated spaces are a concrete example of the importance WellSpan places on the well-being of their team members. In addition to these physical locations, WellSpan has made available easy to use wellness tools and resources in the Wellbeing Portal.  
 
Code lavender is just one example of well-being in action. That’s why for the second consecutive year, the American Medical Association (AMA) recognized WellSpan Health as a Joy in Medicine™ organization for its efforts to promote the wellbeing of its team members through targeted initiatives and programs that reduce burnout and stressors in the workplace. The AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program to address these issues. WellSpan is one of only three health systems in Pennsylvania to receive the highest level of recognition from the organization, the gold level. 

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