Check You - Check Two
About Check You, Check Two
Check You, Check Two is a simple daily strategy to become more aware of your stress level and the stress levels of those around you and offer support. The tool is simple – but powerful. Check You, Check Two allows us to use quick, meaningful interactions to create trust and connection within our teams. Over time, these efforts strengthen the fabric of our organization.
How does it work?
Check You: The first step is taking a moment in your day to check on your stress. Check You, Check Two begins with YOU, because if you are unwell, you should prioritize seeking the support you need first. Check You can be done in a few quick steps – a body scan, awareness of emotions, observing our own behaviors and recognizing recent stressful events.
When checking on yourself, you may find that you are in need a little support. Give yourself permission to care for you. This could be stepping away for a few moments to breathe, talking with a trusted friend or colleague, or reaching out to the Employee Assistance Program for support.
Check Two: If you are feeling well, wonderful! Now, take two minutes to intentionally check on two colleagues. It’s okay if you don’t know exactly what to say, but this information can help. Being present and listening is often enough. If someone expresses an interest or needs more support, offer to connect them to the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-992-1931 or 540-981-8950.
Why does Check You, Check Two work?
Unlike other industries, healthcare engages us in highly intimate relationships with our patients and coworkers. We see people at their most physically, emotionally, and spiritually vulnerable. We can’t do this work alone - we need each other. Peer support is important and Check You, Check Two give as a simple strategy for supporting one another.
Over time, trust and connection become protective factors against compassion fatigue, burnout, vicarious trauma, and the second victim phenomenon.
Resources for Leaders & Teams
- Check You, Check Two slide: Use this slide at the beginning or end of meetings to provide your team with a moment to reflect.
- Check You, Check Two training: The video above provides a more in-depth discussion of Check You, Check Two. Share this video with your team or request an in-person presentation by contacting Kim Butterfield at kmbutterfield@carilionclinic.org.
- Check You, Check Two educational materials: Share these as part of regular communications or meetings with your team. Post them in your office or unit.
- Stress First Aid: If you have an interest in bringing the full Stress First Aid training to your team, contact the Stress First Aid Advisory Committee via Deb Ferron at dmferron@carilionclinic.org.
