What's Happening?
Seton Hall Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy LaMar Bolden, D.P.S., OTR, CNS, has launched an initiative named 'TOAST' to address student burnout within the School of Health and Medical Sciences (SHMS). The program, which stands for Time Out
And Self-Care Tools, aims to promote the mental and emotional well-being of students by providing practical strategies for managing stress. Bolden observed increasing signs of burnout among her students, leading her to develop this program. TOAST includes online Canvas modules focused on burnout prevention, increased awareness of Seton Hall's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) resources, and in-person events. A key component is also a physical self-service cart offering free self-care tools like stress balls, pocket journals, mindful coloring books, and sensory fidget toys. The initiative received an Idea Hall grant from the Office of the Provost to fund its core components. The kickoff event in September saw over 100 students participate, and a second event in November provided further opportunities for self-care activities.
Why It's Important?
The 'TOAST' initiative is important because it directly addresses the growing issue of burnout among healthcare professionals and graduate students, a phenomenon now recognized by the World Health Organization. By equipping students with self-care tools and strategies early in their professional development, the program aims to foster long-term mental and emotional wellness, which is crucial for the demanding healthcare field. This proactive approach can help mitigate the negative impacts of chronic workplace stress, such as exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced cognitive efficacy. The program also creates a stigma-free environment for students to prioritize their well-being, encouraging open discussions about stress levels and self-care barriers. This focus on student well-being can lead to more resilient and effective future healthcare providers, ultimately benefiting patient care and the broader healthcare system. The interdisciplinary collaboration and grant funding highlight a recognized need for such support within academic institutions.
What's Next?
The 'TOAST' initiative is expected to continue its efforts in supporting Seton Hall SHMS students. Future steps will likely involve ongoing in-person events, continued promotion of the online Canvas modules, and maintaining the self-service cart with self-care tools. The program's success in engaging over 100 students at its kickoff suggests a strong demand for these resources, indicating potential for expansion or replication in other departments or institutions. The team, including Christina Barnes, SLP-D, CCC-SLP, Jayne Duncan, Ph.D., Ellen James, Ed.D., OTR-L, and Jamie Stillwell, Psy.D., will likely continue to refine the program based on student feedback and participation. The long-term goal is to integrate habits that promote mental and emotional wellness into the professional identity formation of students, ensuring they carry these strategies into their future careers as healthcare professionals.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate benefits for Seton Hall students, the 'TOAST' initiative reflects a broader societal recognition of the importance of mental health and well-being, particularly in high-stress professions. The program's acronym, 'Time Out And Self-Care Tools,' and the metaphor of 'toast' to describe burnout levels, highlight innovative approaches to destigmatize mental health discussions. This initiative could serve as a model for other universities and professional training programs grappling with similar issues of student and professional burnout. The emphasis on practical, accessible self-care tools and community support underscores a shift towards holistic education that values emotional resilience alongside academic and professional competence. This development signals a growing understanding that supporting the well-being of individuals in demanding fields is not just a personal benefit but a critical investment in the quality and sustainability of essential services.
