Finding Our Flow: Essentia Health and MSUM Partner to Support Nurse Leader and Nursing Faculty and Staff Well-Being
Essentia Health nurse leaders and Minnesota State University Moorhead nursing faculty and staff gathered this fall for the third annual Nurse Well-Being Retreat, Finding Our Flow: Exploring the Currents of Renewal, Creativity, and Community, at the MSUM Regional Science Center in Glyndon.
The retreat reflects a growing partnership between Essentia Health and the MSUM School of Nursing focused on advancing holistic care, professional well-being, resilience, and leadership development among nurses and nurse leaders. To support participation across the health system, the retreat was offered on two dates, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.
MSUM faculty members Jill Holmstrom, Ronda Peterson, and Alicia Swanson have played an integral role in the retreat since its inception. In collaboration with Essentia Health leaders, they have helped design, prepare, facilitate, and present programming focused on well-being, resilience, and creating healthy work environments for nursing professionals. The retreat was hosted at the MSUM Regional Science Center with support from Erik Gooding, director of the Regional Science Center.
This year’s theme, Finding Our Flow, encouraged participants to explore renewal, creativity, and connection through a variety of experiences, including small- and large-group discussions, reflective activities, holistic wellness practices, and opportunities to engage with the natural surroundings of the Regional Science Center.
The retreat provided a dedicated space for nurse leaders to step away from the demands of their daily roles and invest in their own well-being. Through interactive experiences centered on resilience, creativity, reflection, and community, participants explored strategies for sustaining personal wellness while fostering healthy and supportive workplace cultures.
The annual retreat demonstrates the shared commitment of Essentia Health and MSUM to supporting the health and well-being of the nursing workforce while strengthening partnerships between healthcare practice and nursing education.