Date on Paper
7-2024
Document Type
Doctoral Paper
Degree Name
D.N.P.
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Baker, Leann
Committee Member
McRae, Emily
Author's Keywords
emergency nurse; burnout, mindfulness; emotional exhaustion; depersonalization; personal accomplishment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nurses working in the ED experience higher burnout rates than those working in other healthcare settings. Defined as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment, burnout is associated with increased work absences and turnover and decreased patient satisfaction and quality care. Burnout must be examined and addressed for emergency nurses to continue providing quality care.
PURPOSE: This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate burnout among nurses working in the ED prior to and immediately following a 9-week mindfulness-based intervention.
METHODS: A Plan-Do-Study-Act model was utilized along with application of supporting evidence from the literature and an additional pre- and post-intervention survey. Burnout scores were measured pre- and post-intervention using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).
INTERVENTION: A module providing mindfulness education was developed and delivered to ED nurses via the project site’s online employee education platform. In the weeks following, weekly mindfulness reminders were posted throughout the department to promote continued practice.
RESULTS: A total of 61 MBIs (n=61) were collected, and 57 ED nurses (n=57) completed the mindfulness module within the three-week time frame. Although not statistically significant, there was an improvement in mean emotional exhaustion scores post-intervention, while mean personal achievement and depersonalization scores worsened post-intervention.
DISCUSSION: Despite the lack of statistical significance, the project was well-received by ED staff and prompted increased recognition of burnout symptoms and ways to practice mindfulness. While the intervention could not definitively be linked to the improved burnout scores, it provided ED nurses with education on the practice of mindfulness to mitigate burnout.
Recommended Citation
Waltrip, Katie, "Evaluation and implementation of mindfulness module to reduce burnout among emergency department nurses: a quality improvement project" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Papers. Paper 162.
Retrieved from https://ir.library.louisville.edu/dnp/162
