134 - Game-On: A Team-Based Strategy to Boost Wellness and Engagement

Description: Description of Team
To improve morale, connection, and professional engagement among perianesthesia staff, the nursing leadership team at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center launched a gamified, team-based walking challenge. The initiative was developed by the clinical nurse educator and clinical nurse manager for the Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Units, along with the clinical director of perioperative services. Together, they used their experience in education, leadership, and staff development to design a creative, low-cost strategy that supported wellness and teamwork.

Preparation and Planning
A Mario Kart themed walking challenge was selected as the format, designed to promote wellness, teamwork, and friendly competition. Teams were randomly assigned to encourage collaboration across roles and shift times. Staff were provided with step-tracking instructions and support on using smartphones and smartwatches to ensure broad participation.
To keep engagement high, a group chat was created for sharing updates, encouragement, and team banter. Weekly mini-challenges were planned to promote communication, creativity, and team-building. Winners each week could choose to claim a prize, boost their own team, or playfully sabotage another, adding a fun and strategic element to the challenge. These rewards helped sustain motivation throughout the four-week initiative.

Assessment
Team engagement and participation in professional development had declined. In the past three fiscal years, no nurses in the perianesthesia unit pursued specialty certification, and only one applied for clinical ladder advancement. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, these numbers reflected a drop in motivation and a weakened connection to the organization's broader goals. Leadership saw this as an opportunity to reengage staff and rebuild a sense of shared purpose.

Implementation
The walking challenge launched with strong engagement, as more than half of the unit participated across eight multidisciplinary teams. Staff tracked their daily steps using smartphone apps and submitted weekly totals via Microsoft Forms. Weekly winners were recognized, and the prize-based sabotage or boost options added excitement and friendly competition.
Mini-challenges were successfully completed each week and included icebreaker bingo, puzzle bartering, a clinical escape room, and a perianesthesia-themed crossword. The group chat remained active throughout, with staff regularly sharing encouragement, progress updates, and lighthearted banter that helped build momentum and connection over the four-week period.

Outcome
Over 90 percent of participants consistently submitted their step data. Feedback from staff reflected stronger team connection, increased energy, and a more positive work environment. The mini-challenges were well received and gave staff a chance to connect outside of daily clinical tasks.
Early signs point to improved morale and connection. Ongoing wellness surveys will help measure long-term impact on staff well-being, and tracking professional development involvement will provide measurable outcomes.

Implications for Perioperative Nursing
This initiative shows that a simple, gamified approach can promote well-being, restore connection, and align staff with the organization's mission. Its affordability, adaptability, and strong participation make it a practical model for supporting perioperative teams in any setting.