An Invitation to Enrich Your Life

Transcription

1 An Invitation to Enrich Your Life Are you a physician, nurse, physician assistant, physical therapist, health care administrator or other health professional who is seeking to rekindle the original spark that led you to health care wondering about your potential leadership role or your future in health care? desiring to deepen your commitment to your own health and well-being as well as to health of your professional community? continuing a life-long journey of personal and professional growth? committed to aligning your personal values and identity with your professional goals? If some of these questions resonate with you The Inner Life Renewal Program (ILRP) program is pleased to invite you to participate in the Inner Life Renewal Retreat Series. Modeled after the work of nationally recognized teacher trainer, Parker Palmer, and his Courage to Teach Personal and Professional Renewal Program for Educators, the ILRP began four years ago. The program offers physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and health care administrators the chance to attend weekend, overnight and day retreats to renew their sense of passion and purpose and cultivate compassion, calmness, listening and open-heartedness. Since then, more than 500 people have participated in the program, positively impacting their own lives as well as those of patients and families, and health care colleagues. This information packet is designed to assist you in deciding if the Inner Life Renewal Program Retreat Series is right for you at this point in your career and life. Why the Inner Life Renewal Program program? The format of this program is based on the work of Dr. Parker Palmer's program "The Courage to Teach" and his seasonal retreat concept, as well as the influences of Rachel Naomi Remen, Jon Kabat Zin and Health Realization. The series presents a unique opportunity for growth, reflection and rejuvenation. It takes courage to be fully present to one s vocation and calling, no matter the circumstances the Inner Life Renewal Program Retreat Series is designed to cultivate such courage. We became healers for many reasons, but largely reasons of the heart. Whatever the circumstances in which we find ourselves, we believe that it is possible to take heart, to reclaim our own wholeness and to renew our passion for healing. The effectiveness of the health care system depends, ultimately, upon the quality of the human encounter when caregiver meets patient.

2 The full potential of the health care system to help and to heal will begin to be realized only when mind and heart, knowledge and presence, are aligned. We need to rediscover and nourish that which is most life giving for each of us. Then, when we stand up in the midst of our careers we can say, with a look of deep contentment, A life lived in service Who would not want that? Henry Emmons, M.D., Inner Life Renewal Program facilitator. What are the benefits of the Inner Life Renewal Program? Participants of the ILRP have told us that taking time for questioning and reflection in a nurturing, supportive community of peers allows one to re-engage the heart and re-ignites the spark that led to a health care profession. As a team, we find that such a program can support health care professionals and administrators as they strengthen personal resolve for self-care and life balance, and cultivate the skills of listening, presence and compassion. Indeed, participants gain a deeper sense of courage to be truly present in their lives and those of their patients and colleagues. What some past participants have said about their experience in The Inner Life of Renewal Program: I listen better. I sit with my concerns/questions and wait for the information. I have more courage to change. From the support of this community, I can see the light through the end of the tunnel and make it through difficult life challenges. I have changed my whole outlook on what my life is all about. I was focusing on my patients more than I was on my own needs and desires and although my work was fulfilling it was also draining for me. I feel like I have really stepped over to being who I really want to be now. I am in a much better place now, I plan to see patients for at least 10 more years. I will say no when I need to. The ILRP provides support to health care professionals who want to strengthen their sense of purpose, passion, trust and integrity. A renewed passion for the healing profession Improved collegial relationships Improved relationships with patients Personal empowerment and self care Reflection on ones personal and professional practices A higher rate of retention in the health professions A revitalization of interest in acting as a leader for systemic change

3 What happens in the retreat series? Over 18 months, a group of health professionals gather once per season for five retreats at one of several beautiful retreat centers. The retreats are comprised of carefully designed, individual and collegial activities focused around seasonal themes. Activities include the use of poetry, story, guided reflections, and journaling, art and nature to stimulate dialogue, reflection and celebration. Who participates? A wide range of healthcare professionals have participated with a majoring being nurses and physicians. Participants have also included psychologists and licensed therapists, physician assistants, nurse-midwives, academicians, health care administrators, pharmacists and chaplains. Years in practice range from five to more than 30. If you would like to talk with an alumnus who has completed the program, you may do so by contacting one or more of the persons listed below. They have agreed to share their experiences and welcome your inquiry. Phillis Bennett, Chaplain bennett.phillis@mayo.edu, Chuck Bransford, MD, mandalane@msn.com, Lynelle Graham, Vet., graha040@umn.edu, Charles Hipp, MD, charlesh@lakeview.org, Karen Lawson, MD, lawsonk@umn.edu, Cecelia Wendler, RN, wendlem@uwec.edu, Judith Young, judith.young@allina.com, You may also contact Catherine (Cass) McLaughlin for specific program details at: University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing Academic Health Center Mayo Mail Code Delaware St., S.E. Minneapolis, MN mclau033@umn.edu Direct telephone: Program Assistant: Fax:

4 How much does the retreat series cost? Currently, lodging and food, facilitation, materials and administrative support for the five-part retreat series is $1850 per person. These costs may be covered by several possible sources. Self-funded by participant Reimbursement or payment from employer professional development plans meeting ongoing continuing education requirements Sponsorship by a healthcare organization. Scholarships from individuals, foundations and grant programs. Individual participants obtain funding through their own efforts. We encourage applicants to explore all their options. Payment plans may be arranged with the Inner Life Renewal Program coordinator and/or registrar. How do I apply? An electronic version of the application is available from the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing (somer012@umn.edu). Or, you may complete the enclosed hard-copy. The application should be returned to Cass McLaughlin at mclau033@umn.edu or her address listed above The Inner Life Renewal Program is partnering with a number of health care organizations in the Twin Cities. You can check with your human resources or education department to see if they have applications or sponsorship information. The Inner Life of Renewal Program 2005 retreat series dates and the application deadlines for is attached. If you are applying for support from your organization, and your organization is a partnering member, that organization will be informed of your request. Please note: All applications are confidential and reviewed only by program staff at the Center for Spirituality and Healing.

5 Inner Life Renewal Program Dates and Application Time-Line for Retreat Series Participants The Fall 2005 Inner Life Renewal Program Retreat Series dates are below. We anticipate offering a series beginning Fall 2006 but dates are not currently available. You are expected to commit to all five retreats in the series. The retreat dates, application deadlines and acceptance notification dates are below. Fall 2005 Retreat Series: November 4-6, 2005, Friday Sunday Fall Weekend Retreat, Thursday Friday Overnights; January , Winter April 21-21, Spring July 27-28, Summer January 25-26, 2007 Final Overnight Retreat Applications Due: Accepted up until 1 week prior to the first retreat weekend Participants will be formally notified of their acceptance. Send in your application as soon as possible to ensure space availability.

6 Inner Life Renewal Program Retreat Series Application (Confidential) Name: Organization: Address: Phone Number: Address: Retreat Series Preference Dates: 1 st Choice Dates 2 nd Choice What is your healthcare profession? How long in this profession? What are your current professional roles or responsibilities? Do you have plans or thoughts of changing your professional role in the future? Inner Life Renewal Program Retreat Series Diversity Initiative (Optional) Your answers to the questions listed below will assist in creating rich diversity in the retreat groups. The Inner Life Renewal Program is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Age? Gender? Race, ethnicity/cultural background? Other characteristics about yourself you d like to mention?

7 To discern if the Inner Life Renewal Program Retreat Series is right for you at this time, and to ensure that you understand what the Inner Life Renewal Program is about before making a commitment, we encourage you to talk with a retreat series alumnus or a member of the faculty personally. If you do not already have such a contact, please call our program coordinator listed at the end of this application or request the name of an alumnus who would be happy to speak with you by checking your contact preference below. I have talked with the following ILRP Alum (s). I would like the program coordinator to call the name of a contact Please use the following personal statements to write several paragraphs (no more than two pages, please) about your interest in attending the Inner Life Renewal Program Retreat Series. Only answer the questions that resonate with you and feel free to use your own personal writing style. Briefly describe your journey as a healer/health care professional. What are the questions that you are facing as you consider your work in health care and your future in this field? Based on your understanding of the Inner Life Renewal Program, why is this program a good fit for you at this time in you life. What are the challenges you face in committing the time and energy including attendance to all five retreats which this program requires? How will you meet these challenges? What are your expectations of this program and how do you think your participation in this program might contribute to your personal and professional life? Even though participation in the group s interaction is optional, what is your willingness for community interaction and involvement with other retreat participants? How open are you to learning new self-care skills, such as deep listening, reflection, journaling, etc? Reference: Please provide the name of a person we could call for a reference, if needed? Name: Position/Organization: Phone number at work: Home: How do you know your reference?