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Heather Gordon
and
Steve Joordens
This course will help institutions and individuals better manage the mental health challenges of being a healthcare worker. Healthcare providers such as the University Health Network (UHN) address the mental health needs of their staff through several initiatives intended to help build resilience and to provide respite from the demands of their work. This was critical during the pandemic but, of course, healthcare workers encounter high levels of stress even without a pandemic. The primary purpose of this course was to document and explain lessons learned with the hopes of informing healthcare institutions and healthcare workers about effective strategies and why they work. Dr. Heather Gordon will highlight strategies she has employed within the UHN during the pandemic, and Professor Steve Joordens will discuss the psychology underlying these interventions.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/jq40rj/mental
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction and Welcome
Understanding and Managing Anxiety - Introduction
Using the Environment to Support Mental Wellbeing
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction and Welcome
Understanding and Managing Anxiety - Introduction
Using the Environment to Support Mental Wellbeing
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Essential for healthcare practitioners and administrators seeking to proactively address mental health challenges in the healthcare workplace
Practical strategies and evidence-based interventions shared by experts in the field
Empowering healthcare professionals to prioritize their own mental well-being while providing exceptional patient care
Integrates the latest research on mental health and resilience in the healthcare sector
Suitable for professionals at various levels of experience, from recent graduates to seasoned practitioners
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions related to mental health in healthcare
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Reviews summary
Building resilience for healthcare professionals
According to learners, this course is a highly relevant and practical guide for healthcare workers facing stress and burnout. Students frequently commend the clear explanations of psychological principles by Professor Steve Joordens and Dr. Heather Gordon's valuable real-world strategies from UHN. The well-organized structure and actionable takeaways are consistently highlighted. While some felt parts were repetitive for those with existing knowledge, the consensus is that it provides essential tools for mental well-being and resilience, making it immediately applicable in a demanding profession. The content remains timely and impactful.
Course content is structured logically, making it easy to follow and absorb.
"The course modules flowed seamlessly, building on each other and making the learning process very smooth and coherent."
"I liked the bite-sized lessons; they were perfect for fitting into my busy schedule as a healthcare worker without feeling overwhelmed."
"The progression from understanding anxiety to building resilience and addressing burnout felt very logical and comprehensive."
Instructors explain complex psychological concepts clearly and effectively.
"Professor Joordens has a gift for explaining psychological principles in an incredibly accessible way, making complex ideas easy to grasp."
"Dr. Gordon's insights from her experience at UHN were invaluable and grounded the theory in real-world application, which I found very helpful."
"I found both instructors highly engaging and knowledgeable, delivering the content in a way that made the learning experience enjoyable and impactful."
Provides actionable tools and real-world examples for immediate application.
"This course offered practical strategies I could immediately apply in my daily work to manage stress and prevent burnout."
"I really appreciated the real-world examples from UHN; they made the concepts incredibly relatable and useful for my specific role."
"The interventions highlighted by Dr. Gordon are truly valuable, giving me concrete ways to build resilience and cope effectively."
Addresses crucial and ongoing mental health needs of healthcare professionals.
"The content is incredibly relevant to the unique challenges we face daily in healthcare, especially managing high levels of stress."
"I felt heard and understood; the course normalized many of the struggles I've experienced as a healthcare worker, which was validating."
"Even after the initial pandemic peak, the strategies remain essential for managing persistent stress and maintaining my well-being in this demanding field."
Lacks community features and peer-to-peer discussion opportunities.
"I missed the opportunity for discussions with other healthcare workers facing similar issues and sharing experiences."
"There wasn't much interaction, which made it feel a bit solitary despite the important and communal nature of the topic."
"The course could benefit from a forum or live Q&A sessions to enhance the learning experience and foster a sense of community."
Foundational but some may find parts repetitive if already knowledgeable.
"For someone with some background in psychology or resilience training, parts of the course felt a bit introductory and repetitive."
"I wish there was an option for more advanced topics or deeper dives into specific resilience techniques, beyond the foundational overview."
"While excellent for beginners to the topic, I felt some sections covered ground I was already familiar with from other resources."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers with these
activities:
Review the basics of psychology
Show steps
Psychology concepts are used to explain the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers. Reinforce knowledge of the subject.
Browse courses on
Psychology
Show steps
Watch videos on mindfulness
Show steps
Mindfulness techniques are taught as part of psychological interventions used to support healthcare workers' mental wellbeing. Seek out relevant tutorials to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
Practice coping mechanisms
Show steps
Understanding coping mechanisms is crucial for promoting resilience. Practice these coping techniques regularly to improve your ability to deal with stress.
Show steps
-
Identify different coping mechanisms
-
Practice these coping mechanisms in simulated scenarios
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a gratitude journal
Show steps
Gratitude is emphasized in strategies used to support mental wellbeing. Regularly record what you're grateful for to cultivate this.
Show steps
-
Decide on a format for your journal
-
Reflect on your day and write down 3-5 things you're grateful for
Workshop: Relaxation techniques
Show steps
Learn practical relaxation techniques that can be used to manage stress and improve mental wellbeing.
Show steps
Discussion group: Strategies for managing stress
Show steps
Peer support is important for mental health. Join a group to share your experiences and learn from others.
Show steps
-
Find a peer support group in your community or online
-
Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions
Read 'The Resilience Factor'
Show steps
This book offers practical strategies for building resilience, a crucial skill for healthcare workers.
View
The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your...
on Amazon
Show steps
Develop a self-care plan
Show steps
Self-care is essential for maintaining mental health. Create a plan to identify and meet your own needs.
Show steps
-
Identify your self-care needs
-
Develop a plan to meet those needs
-
Implement your plan and make adjustments as needed
Review the basics of psychology
Show steps
Psychology concepts are used to explain the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers. Reinforce knowledge of the subject.
Browse courses on
Psychology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Watch videos on mindfulness
Show steps
Mindfulness techniques are taught as part of psychological interventions used to support healthcare workers' mental wellbeing. Seek out relevant tutorials to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Practice coping mechanisms
Show steps
Understanding coping mechanisms is crucial for promoting resilience. Practice these coping techniques regularly to improve your ability to deal with stress.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify different coping mechanisms
- Practice these coping mechanisms in simulated scenarios
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a gratitude journal
Show steps
Gratitude is emphasized in strategies used to support mental wellbeing. Regularly record what you're grateful for to cultivate this.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Decide on a format for your journal
- Reflect on your day and write down 3-5 things you're grateful for
Workshop: Relaxation techniques
Show steps
Learn practical relaxation techniques that can be used to manage stress and improve mental wellbeing.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Discussion group: Strategies for managing stress
Show steps
Peer support is important for mental health. Join a group to share your experiences and learn from others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer support group in your community or online
- Attend meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions
Read 'The Resilience Factor'
Show steps
This book offers practical strategies for building resilience, a crucial skill for healthcare workers.
View
The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
Develop a self-care plan
Show steps
Self-care is essential for maintaining mental health. Create a plan to identify and meet your own needs.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your self-care needs
- Develop a plan to meet those needs
- Implement your plan and make adjustments as needed
Career center
Learners who complete Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Counselor
Counselor
Counselors help people cope with a variety of mental health issues. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists help people cope with a variety of mental health issues. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists help people cope with a variety of mental health issues. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurses provide a variety of healthcare services, including mental health care. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants provide a variety of healthcare services, including mental health care. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants provide a variety of healthcare services, including mental health care. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people improve their physical and mental health through activities and exercises. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people improve their physical and mental health through exercises and activities. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people improve their communication skills. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists provide a variety of healthcare services, including mental health care. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Dentist
Dentist
Dentists provide a variety of healthcare services, including mental health care. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants provide a variety of healthcare services, including mental health care. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people cope with a variety of life challenges, including mental health issues. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses provide a variety of healthcare services, including mental health care. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide you with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your clients.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. A course on Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers will provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals and will help you provide better support for them. You will learn about strategies to build resilience and reduce burnout, which can help you create a more positive and productive work environment for your staff. The course will also provide you with a better understanding of the importance of mental health in the workplace, which can help you make more informed decisions about policies and procedures.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jq40rj/mental
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers.
Save
Provides a practical guide to mindfulness and compassion. It teaches how to live in the present moment and to cultivate compassion for oneself and others.
Save
Provides a powerful and inspiring message about resilience. It teaches how to overcome setbacks and failures and to grow from them.
Provides a powerful and inspiring message about self-acceptance. It teaches how to let go of perfectionism and to embrace our imperfections.
Provides a practical guide to personal effectiveness. It teaches how to develop good habits and to achieve greater success in all areas of life.
Provides a practical guide to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It teaches how to change negative thought patterns and to develop more positive and healthy ways of thinking.
Provides a practical guide to mindfulness for anxiety. It teaches how to use mindfulness to reduce anxiety and to live a more peaceful life.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jq40rj/mental
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Rating
4.8
Effort
5 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Toronto
Instructors
Heather Gordon
Steve Joordens
Language
English
Transcripts
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