Shelley Kellner and Makayla Rittinger, Clinical Nurse Educators, are cultivating gratitude through a simple yet meaningful practice: plant propagation.
A key part of their role is coordinating preceptorships, where experienced nurses mentor nursing students and newly graduated nurses as they transition into practice. Preceptors play an essential role in supporting and developing the next generation of nurses.
Wanting to recognize the dedication of preceptors in a way that also promoted staff wellness, Shelley and Makayla created the “Thank You for Helping Our Team Grow” initiative. During educational sessions, preceptors plant propagated cuttings, with each step of the planting process symbolizing an aspect of mentorship – from choosing the right pot to nurturing growth over time. The sessions provided an opportunity for mindfulness while reinforcing the lasting impact preceptors have on new nurses.
To bring the initiative to life, Shelley and Makayla received funding through the sustainability stream of PHSA’s Health Promotion Initiative Fund (HPIF), with financial support provided by the Green+Leaders program. Each year, the Energy and Environmental Sustainability (EES) team partners with HPIF to support Green+Leader projects that advance energy and environmental sustainability.
The project began with Shelley and Makayla propagating plants from their own homes, pairing each cutting with a small pot and a thoughtful message. For them, the plants represent the mentorship journey: “We grew the plants from a single leaf, reflecting how preceptors cultivate knowledge and confidence in learners.”
Cultural grounding was also an important part of the initiative. Shelley and Makayla were guided by gifted Coast Salish teachings shared by Elder Siem Te’ta-in, Sound of Thunder (Shane Pointe). The act of gifting plants reflects the teaching of Good Medicine, offering emotional nourishment, connection, and care.
Planting activities were incorporated into two Nursing Resource Team Education Days, giving preceptors the opportunity to create and take home their own propagated plants. To date, 57 bedside staff have participated. Many shared that their favourite part of the experience was simply “making plants with my friends,” highlighting how the sessions created space for connection, reflection, and community.
For Shelley and Makayla, the most meaningful outcome has been seeing staff continue to care for their plants – and recognizing how that care mirrors their commitment to supporting others. As they describe it, the sessions demonstrate that “growth is not by chance, but by care and intention.”
Looking ahead, Shelley and Makayla hope to continue offering planting sessions for preceptors while expanding opportunities to celebrate mentorship and staff well-being. Their long-term vision is to foster a workplace culture rooted in sustainability, wellness, and recognition, helping build a resilient healthcare workforce in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s Climate Change and Sustainability Plan.
