Mission
At Wellness Connections, we offer workplace wellness programs developed for nurses, by a nurse, to address the national healthcare crisis of burnout, bedside attrition, and emotional fatigue. This spa-inspired, drop-in model supports staff in real-time with brief restorative experiences. We operate a train-the-trainer methodology, equipping on-site facilitators to bring consistent, evidence-based wellness offerings directly to hospital units. Our method is affordable, scalable, and grounded in measurable quality improvement outcomes.
AS NURSES, we have been there — right where you are now, struggling with the stress and burnout, while trying to give compassionate care to the acutely ill, medically complex patients without enough time to complete all the tasks at hand! AS NURSES, we know how you are feeling. Tiny shifts in the way one approaches situations can provide an entirely different and positive outcome.
NURSES LEADING NURSES: engaging, connecting, empowering!
My Journey
As many of us know, life doesn't always go as we plan, revealing our true journeys. Amidst the excitement and challenges of a busy nursing career, my life took an unexpected turn when I became a single mom to a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old. During this challenging time, I began assisting my mom with her yoga practice and eventually became an eager student myself. The stress relief I found in yoga led me to explore other practices, ultimately leading to a daily meditation routine that became transformative.
While teaching graduate nursing students about health and healing, I emphasized the profound effects of a 15-20 minute daily meditation practice, which triggers the relaxation response. These mindfulness and self-care practices are foundational to achieving health and fulfillment, sparking my belief that self-care is the key to preventing disease and addressing the healthcare crisis: the poor health of our nation and the poor health of the nursing profession. As my graduate students would say, "Why aren't these principles taught in mainstream healthcare?" My response was, "I don't know, as my belief is that self-care is the answer to preventing DIS-EASE and preventing the healthcare crisis dilemma!" However, self-care is coming to our world and communities, one individual at a time.
I can now see how my life has evolved with new pathways and roadways of appreciation, exploration, strength, optimism, creation, and social connection—all enhanced with self-compassion. The key to my life and my road map is my connection and understanding of love.
— Catherine
CATHERINE CALDER CALISI
MS, APRN-BC, GNP-BC, APHN-BC
Catherine holds a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, MA with a certification to practice as a nurse practitioner and currently is in private practice, Wellness Connections. She holds certification to practice as a health and wellness coach through the National Society of Health Coaches. Catherine is certified as an advanced practice holistic nurse from the American Holistic Nurse Association. She is a Reiki II practitioner providing Reiki treatments to her clients and patients.
Catherine has been a leader in developing Mind/Body initiatives at Massachusetts General Hospital and at other organizations. Her passion is in teaching nurses the importance and beneficial outcomes of caring for oneself through her burnout prevention philosophy and motto of Nurture the Nurse. She holds a position as Adjunct Faculty at the Institute of Health Professions at Massachusetts General Hospital where she teaches in the Mind, Body, Spirit Certification Program. She is a co-leader of the American Holistic Nursing Association: Seacoast / Boston Chapter.
Catherine has worked in various settings in the healthcare arena for more than 30 years, including hospital, clinic, nursing home, home care and education settings. She has observed the drastic changes which have ensued in healthcare for those who care for patients and the patients. She has been involved with the mission of the National Academy of Medicine: Clinician Well-Being pillar and provided testimony on the importance of self-care in healthcare. The rampant problem of nursing and physician burnout, as well as the declining health of our nation, is what she focuses on in her work. Catherine is now a Changemaker supporting institutions throughout the country.