USING MINDFULNESS-BASED PRACTICE TO REDUCE WORK-RELATED STRESS AND BURNOUT AMONG PSYCHIATRIC NURSES

ABSTRACTGeorgette Awo Gbeddy: Using Mindfulness-based Practice to Reduce Work-related Stress and Burnout Among Psychiatric Nurses(Under the direction of Dr. Cheryl Giscombe)Background: Stress among healthcare workers is a significant problem linked to the prevalence of emotional and mental depletion, exhaustion, and job dissatisfaction among nurses. Nurses working in acute mental care settings are increasingly likely to experience stress due to challenging patient interactions. Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate the feasibility of a free online VA Mindfulness Coach application (App) to reduce work-related stress and burnout in psychiatric nurses at the Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in the Southeastern United States. Method: A qualitative quasi-experimental design was employed to address the clinical question. Fourteen nurses initially agreed to participate, and 13 completed the pre-and post-intervention Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The MBI comprised 22 questionnaire items, which cut across various work experiences related to stress and burnout. Results: The mean MBI score decreased from 93.64 (SD=13.94) pre-intervention to 82.57 (SD=9.63) post-intervention, for a mean MBI score reduction of 11.07. The mean difference between pre-and post-intervention MBI scores of 11.07 points indicated that the App significantly reduced job burnout, t(13) = 2.284, p = .040. Also, 12 (85.7%) participants found the App useful to reduce stress and job burnout. Conclusion: Mental health nurses are exposed to prolonged stressful work environments, which causes stress and burnout. One-month post-intervention results of a mindfulness-based intervention show nurses' level of stress and burnout was reduced. Continued application of mindfulness-based interventions in the workplace through mobile App with improved adherence rates can significantly lower stress and burnout.Doctor of Nursing Practic