Authors

  1. Stubin, Catherine A. PhD, RN, CNE, CCRN

Article Content

The "Wellness Wheel" recognizes the multifaceted approach that is an effective way to work toward mental well-being. It is a visual tool that helps understand the factors (emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, financial, and spiritual) that affect mental health. The Wellness Wheel prompts introspection, self-reflection, and should lead to goal setting.1 This approach to mental well-being was implemented with undergraduate baccalaureate senior nursing students in a Capstone course. The Wellness Wheel was presented to students by faculty in the beginning of the semester to assist them in making more healthy decisions that contribute to a balanced life and professional career. Students were encouraged to reflect on the wheel-check in with themselves, evaluate how they were doing, and highlight any imbalances that might be negatively impacting their mental health. In addition, students were asked to make at least one positive change in at least one wheel category. At the end of the semester, students wrote a reflection that included the change(s) they implemented and their overall satisfaction with the activity. Anecdotal student comments reflected high levels of satisfaction with this approach and tool, supporting that students found the activity engaging and beneficial. This approach to mental well-being can be used in any prelicensure and graduate nursing course and may aid in undergraduate nursing students' transition to professional nursing practice.

 

Reference

 

1. University of Utah School of Medicine. What is wellness? Accessed January 30, 2023. https://medicine.utah.edu/students/wellness/what-is-wellness[Context Link]