Another reason dogs are good
Pawsitive transpiring in Denver, Colorado
This is the HCA HealthONE Rose Medical Center in Denver, Colorado.
Don't let the traditional facade fool you. Inside the HCA HealthONE Rose Medical Center in Denver, Colorado, it's a whirlwind of activity, a constant hum of energy driven by the critical work of its dedicated staff. Leading the charge is President and CEO Casey Guber, who brings more than just leadership to the hospital – he brings his dog, Ralphie.Ralphie, sporting a very official "Chief Dog Officer" badge, isn't just a furry friend; he's a vital part of a growing movement to combat stress and burnout among healthcare professionals.
"There's a lot of action up here. It can be very stressful at times," - Dr. Kristina Fraser, OB-GYN.
With an average of 265 babies delivered each month, the center, known affectionately as Denver's "Baby Hospital," is a busy place. But amidst the intensity, the dogs offer a moment of respite, a chance to decompress.
Just a few minutes with a canine like Ralphie can help, as Guber tells it:
"<The impact of dogs is> Phenomenal,it is not uncommon to see a surgeon coming down to our administration office and rolling on the ground with Ralphie, or one of our nurses taking Ralphie out for a walk in the park." Says Guber
On any given day, two to four dogs, tails wagging, offer unconditional affection. They're not just visitors; they're part of the team, dedicated to supporting the well-being of the staff.
"It's great. It's amazing," says Fraser. "I feel like that dog just walks in and everybody takes a big deep breath and has a few moments of just decompressing."
This support is more critical than ever. According to a 2022 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all U.S. healthcare workers reported often feeling burned out. This contributes to a larger mental health crisis within the healthcare profession, marked by high rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. But at Rose, these furry companions are making a tangible difference. Numerous studies, including [link to a relevant study or article if available], have highlighted the positive impact of human-animal interaction on mental and emotional well-being.
The story of Rose's canine companions begins with Dr. Susan Ryan, an emergency medicine physician. Years of working in the ER took a toll, leaving her with symptoms of PTSD. "I just was messed up and I knew it," she recalls. Seeking solace, she turned to equine therapy. But when horses proved impractical, she found a different kind of therapy: a Labrador Retriever.
Ryan trained her dog, Peppi, through Canine Companions, a national service dog organization. Peppi became the first facility dog to work in an emergency room with a doctor trained by the organization. The impact was immediate. "When I have a bad day at work and I come to Rose and Peppi is here, my day's going to be made better," says EMT Jasmine Richardson.
Nursing supervisor Eric Vaillancourt agreed, calling Peppi "joyful."
Dogs bringing joy. Dogs relieving stress. Dogs allowing doctors and nurses to work better.
That’s gotta be good, right?
wish Mx were tractable enough to qualify! Well...he Keeps us semi-sane!