When Nurses Increase Their Self-discovery and Compassion, They Develop Increased Compassion for Others, and Through Time, Transform Workplace Cultures.
Our Story
We met while working together with a team of practicing nurses and clinical researchers to learn how to decrease nursing burnout and compassion fatigue in Colorado’s primary safety-net institution. Taking the lead on the qualitative portion of the study, we spent a great deal of time together understanding nurses’ experiences at the bedside.
What did we uncover? When nurses increase their self-discovery and compassion, they develop increased compassion for others, and through time, transform workplace cultures. However, this is not enough. Our current healthcare system is causing more than burnout, and self-care alone is not the answer. But in order to change the system, we have to change ourselves. While engaging in our professional endeavors, we began to share our own healing journeys and discovered the value of an integrative approach to healing.
Better Together Healing is the manifestation of this discovery. Our approach aligns the mind, body, and spirit to empower self and transform systems. We are well along the way in our journeys and passionate about supporting others. If you are ready to engage, explore, and expand, we invite you to connect with us.
Our Leadership
Sara Horton-Deutsch
PhD, RN, PMHCNS
I am deeply passionate about nursing and hold a strong vision for what the discipline and profession have to offer… bringing the best medical and healing sciences together to heal the world. I have worked in academic and practice settings for 35 years as an advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse, teacher/practitioner, consultant, program director, caring science endowed chair, and academic/practice partnership director. Through my academic journey I have learned the importance of evidence and practice-based knowledge development to ensure safe and quality care. I have co-authored a number of books on Reflective Practice, Caring Science and Caritas Coaching. In the holistic realm, I am a Caritas Coach, HeartMath Trainer, Reiki and Shamanic Practitioner, and Healing Circle Facilitator. Through my healing journey, I have learned the necessity of reconnecting to my own inner sources of wisdom, power and healing as well as the arts and humanities that once defined nursing. We all have unique gifts and talents to share waiting to be discovered so that we can live out our lives potential. Better Together Healing is my way to live out my souls purpose to create spaces (homes, hospitals, communities) that are creative, healthy, and bounded.
Chelsie Monroe
MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC
I am Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in trauma, addiction, and healthcare provider burnout. I am passionate about making an impact on healthcare systems and am experienced in implementing change in both micro and macro systems. My philosophy is to focus on the individuals who valiantly make a difference by facilitating the journey of finding the true self. Because only then, when we’re all connected to our authentic selves, can we achieve greatness as a collective. I have worked in a variety of practice settings as a nurse, educator, leader, and advanced practice nurse within hospital systems, academic institutions and outpatient settings. I have my own private practice, Balanced Mental Wellness, focused on integrative psychiatry and helping others find their true meaning. My own work in attaining emotional and spiritual freedom, I have learned practical and caring experience to share with others in order to create a community of healing.