June Ambassador of the Month | Lisa Word

June Ambassador of the Month | Lisa Word

Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Lisa Word, Clinical Affairs - Quality & Safety

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I started working at UC Davis at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing in October 2012. I left in July 2013 to care for my ill grandmother then returned to UC Davis in June 2017.

What does wellness mean to you?

I think that wellness means managing a healthy balance in our body, mind and spirit.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

November 2018, I was assaulted and suffered a lumbar sprain, cervical sprain, and ankle sprain. I researched for wellness activities to promote healing of my physical and emotional injuries. I had confided to a coworker about my healing journey and learned that she was a Wellness Ambassador. She invited me to join the Wellness Ambassador program. When I was accepted as Wellness Ambassador by the UC Davis Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being, I learned that the UC Davis Police Department wanted to bring their 3-tiered Staff Safety Training Series (Situational Awareness, Introduction to Self Defense and Sexual Assault Prevention) to the Sacramento campus. The staff safety training was aligned with my personal healing path and I felt compelled to share this amazing wellness and learning opportunity to all faculty and staff as Wellness Ambassador. Wellness and learning are my passions.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

I started serving as Wellness Ambassador on June 17, 2019, so one month less than a year.

What has been rewarding or positive about your experience thus far?

It has been rewarding and positive to work with heart-liked individuals (other Wellness Ambassadors) that are as passionate about promoting wellness programs and activities to UC Davis Health employees; because of the high interest and the impact on quality of care, the Situational Awareness/Active Assailant class taught by UCDPD was approved to allow clinical staff to earn CME credit.

What are some of the challenges you face as a wellness ambassador?

My biggest challenge has been COVID-19 and adhering to social distancing restrictions. We just had our first Introduction to Self-Defense class on February 19th. The class was at full capacity and we had to turn away interest for a later date. Also, the UC Davis Police Department Staff safety instructors had just committed to an entire year of scheduled training for all UC Davis Health staff when we had to cancel all classes until further notice because of COVID-19.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new wellness ambassadors?

My one little piece of advice that I would like to share with new wellness ambassadors is to start slow and follow your heart; think of wellness activities that you are passionate about. Start small and they will follow. Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being aims to build an environment that makes the healthier choice the easier choice, while providing staff and faculty with the required support to make UC Davis the healthiest community.

How do you feel you have contributed to our mission?

I think that I may have contributed to the UC Davis mission to promoting and building a healthy community from the positive feedback by students that have attended either one of the Situational Awareness classes, and/or the Introduction to Self-Defense. Clinical staff that attended have requested the training be brought to their service departments and have shared their personal experiences being assaulted by patients; thinking it was an unspoken agreed upon part of their job description. The UC Davis Police Department Staff Safety Training series, that started off as an afternoon wellness program or activity, shows employees that UC Davis supports their health and well-being.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

My favorite thing to do in my spare time (before and during COVID-19) are long walks and playing fetch in the park with my German Shepherd, Bella.

Primary Category

Tags