Halo Nurses Program

The Halo Nurses Program involves retired registered nurses (RNs) who give supportive care to hospitalized patients and families in the midst of crisis situations that may include terminal illness and end-of-life concerns. Halo Nurses serve at Akron General Medical Center (AGMC) in Akron, Ohio, and are supported by the Akron General Development Foundation.

History

Eileen Machan, RN, began the Halo Nurses Program at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital soon after her retirement in 1996. She had observed the increasing work pressures and constraints on nursing staff in acute care settings and recognized that the supportive, listening, comforting aspects of care often had to be minimized due to time constraints. Ms. Machan and several other nurses visited patients and families who were referred by [Page 551]nurses or physicians with a focus on therapeutic listening. Patients and staff found the work of the Halo Nurses to be effective. Additionally, the nurses themselves were able to use their extensive nursing experience to provide support and encouragement to patients and families and had the satisfaction of helping others.

Though the Halo Nurses were essentially volunteers, they were given a small stipend to compensate for travel, continuing education, and liability insurance. This was provided through the Halo Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit group. The hospital did not pay the nurses for their visits.

In 2001, Jon Trainor, President of Akron General Development Foundation, asked Ms. Machan to move the program to AGMC. Halo Nurses initiated the work on two medical/surgical units and one oncology unit. Since then they have been available on other units throughout the hospital. They continue to receive a stipend to cover expenses but no salary.

Mission and Purpose

Halo Nurses focus on assisting patients and families dealing with a variety of health care crises. According to the Halo Nurses for Supportive Care brochure, the goal is to offer care “that complements traditional medical care by providing patients the physical and psychological tools to deal more effectively with stress and pain of serious illness.” The nurses have strong clinical care backgrounds that give them skill in assessing situations and how they may help. In addition, they are specially trained in using therapeutic listening, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and healing touch. They do not give direct nursing care, such as medications or other therapies, but may reposition a pillow, give a back rub, or give other comfort care as approved by the staff. The nurses are to supplement the medical and nursing care that is being given, not replace it.

Referrals for Services

Nurses, physicians, and other members of the health care team refer patients and families. Halo Nurses have an office at the hospital with voice mail so that referrals may be received. A Halo Nurse then responds and makes an initial visit. The recipients of care are those who are dealing with stressful situations and who may benefit from the listening ears and comfort measures offered by the Halo Nurses.

Qualifications of Halo Nurses

Halo Nurses are retired or are not currently in active nursing practice. They are required to have a current RN license to practice in the state of Ohio and current nursing liability insurance. They must have a strong clinical background, strong spiritual grounding, and experience in holistic nursing modalities such as relaxation techniques. They have to verify that they have read and agree with the Halo Nurses' Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Additionally, they commit to attending at least one seminar yearly pertaining to holistic care. The Halo Nurse Coordinator holds monthly meetings with the nurses to assure continued excellence of the program and also determines the need for additional nurse consultants.

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