Recommended Citation
Ford C, Sheehy T, MacKenzie J, Hlebichuk J. From Code to Calm: Cold Debriefing and Spiritual Sessions for ICU Nurses. Poster presented at National Teaching Institute (NTI) Conference; May 18-20, 2026; San Diego, CA.
Presentation Notes
Poster presented at National Teaching Institute (NTI) Conference; May 18-20, 2026; San Diego, CA.
Abstract
Debriefing after critical events promotes communication, teamwork, and performance improvement. Concurrently, a positive spiritual climate is also linked to improved teamwork and safety climates, as well as reducing RN intent to leave and turnover (Celano et al., 2022). Clinical RNs engaged with professional governance identified an opportunity to expand on a nurse-led hot debriefing project and incorporate a second phase consisting of cold and spiritual debriefing. In this second phase, cold and spiritual debriefing was piloted in a 30-bed cardiovascular ICU, staffed with 110 RNs. First, standard cold debriefing materials were developed with organization specific resources. Two RN project leads recruited 12 cold debrief champion volunteers. Workflow, data tracking, and role expectations were developed and communicated. Following code events champions reach out 2-7 days later for support and resource sharing. Secondly, in partnership with the unit-based chaplain, monthly 1-hour spiritual debrief sessions began in May 2024. Thus far, 12 sessions have occurred with 79 participants attending. All participants strongly agree/agree with the sessions, aiding emotional and spiritual support. Pre-pilot and one-year post Brief Resilient Coping Scale scores remained consistent with RNs, mean scores (pre: 15.6 to post: 15.8) categorized as medium resilient copers. Pilot cold debriefing tactics have received positive feedback from clinicians and leadership.
Document Type
Poster