The Stepping Stones to Wellness program, offered on one hospital unit by the organization's wellness team and nurse practitioner students, was evaluated for its return on investment (ROI), level of participation, and satisfaction among staff and students. Interventions included (1) biometric screening, (2) participation incentives, and (3) education delivered by staff and nurse practitioner students on the unit. Using the hours of unscheduled absence as a proxy for staff wellness, ROI was calculated using 75% of the difference between the mean hours of unscheduled absence during the intervention compared to the previous 3 years. Average hourly rate (including benefits) was multiplied by unscheduled absence ($11,409.17). The total cost of program delivery ($7,662.50) for 80 employees yielded an ROI of $3,746.67. Participation improved and satisfaction increased. Graduate nursing students and an employer wellness team can deliver a successful unit-based health promotion program and possibly affect absenteeism.
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