By: Jamie Raymond, EDAC, RID, LEED AP
Partner, Four Point Design

August is National Wellness Month, and when it comes to improving community health and wellness, caregivers play a critical role. Firms that provide architecture and interior design services for healthcare facilities should prioritize creating environments that not only consider the patient experience, but that support and enhance the wellbeing of caregivers, as well.

Inspired by personal experiences

Since its founding in 2015, Four Point Design has specialized in interior design for healthcare facilities. The firm’s partners each have unique perspectives they bring to their work—insights gained not just from past projects, but from experiences as users of the healthcare system interacting with caregivers.

For Four Point Design partner Jamie Raymond, one of her formative experiences happened when she was just 19 years old. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, requiring a 12-hour brain surgery.

“It was traumatizing, so there’s a lot I don’t remember,” Raymond said. “I remember waiting in the lounge, but can’t really recall the color of the walls, the lighting levels, or the artwork. What I do remember was the care my mother received and the communication from the caregivers. Today, as a designer, I see the built environment as a backdrop—a supporting element that gives caregivers the tools to do their best work and allows patients and their loved ones to focus on healing.”

Victoria Numbers, partner at Four Point Design, also has firsthand knowledge of the healthcare experience. Her mother was an intensive care nurse for 30 years. And when Numbers had her first son, Numbers spent two weeks in the hospital, and then her new baby was in the neonatal intensive care unit for a month. She recalls breaking down and not wanting to leave the NICU late one evening.

“One of the nurses gently came over and said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll move over to this charting station that’s right here at his window, and I’ll look after him all night; I’ll hold him,’” Numbers said. “She just put me at ease, and I gained a whole new appreciation for what caregivers do. Caregivers are with us when we’re at our most vulnerable. They not only care for your body or your family members; they also care for the whole person and their emotional wellbeing.”

Creating spaces for work and rest

Today, the team looks for any opportunity to make nurses’ jobs easier and improve their experience. For example, considering efficiencies and ergonomics helps create nurse stations that are functional and thoughtfully designed. Light-filled staff suites with amenities and a variety of comfortable seating give caregivers a place to refresh and recharge.

“The level of commitment and passion it takes to be a healthcare worker inspires me to do my best work for them,” Raymond added.

Designing schools of nursing that attract and retain

Another way to support the wellness of caregivers is to address the need for nurses and health professionals. Talent shortages put stress and strain on the existing workforce, and as aging Baby Boomers need more care, the need for Registered Nurses will only increase.

Four Point Design has experience in multiple schools of nursing, bringing real-world healthcare experience to educational spaces that provide flexibility, thoughtful adjacencies, and durable finishes. For example, Indiana University’s renovated School of Nursing facility in Indianapolis expands the size of the school to accommodate more nursing students with spaces like a new skills lab; simulation, debrief, and practice exam rooms; and informal learning spaces.

“Caregivers play a critical role in our society, and a welcoming environment can both celebrate that impact and fuel schools’ retention efforts,” said Four Point Design partner Diana Ricks. “Through our school of nursing projects, we incorporate thoughtful touches such as graphics that celebrate the rich history of nursing schools and ‘Instagrammable’ backdrops for graduation photos. These features foster a sense of pride among students.”

Whether it’s being mindful of and grateful for our own experiences with caregivers, being thoughtful to design and construction solutions, or encouraging the next generation to enter the nursing profession, we all have a role to play in taking care of the caregivers.

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