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Recommended Citation
Bichler E, Michler R. Health and wellbeing of the nurse. Evidence Based Practice podium presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Evidence Based Practice podium presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Abstract
Background and/or Rationale:
Central Shared Governance focused on the strategic goal of promoting nurse health and well-being. A survey found interrupted or skipped meal breaks were common on inpatient units. We reviewed the literature and found that the majority of nurses experience workplace stress and that adequate breaks and break areas can decrease stress. Central Shared Governance identified this common occurrence as being misaligned with our nurse health and well-being goals.
Aim or Purpose:
We decided to promote and support uninterrupted, restorative breaks and provide high quality break areas to reduce stress based on the evidence we found.
Implementation Plan:
Nurses were surveyed on break frequency, stress levels, and educated on the importance of taking uninterrupted and restorative breaks. Project support was obtained from nursing leadership. An awareness campaign utilizing a travel theme “Take a Mental Vacation” was launched and included boarding passes to take breaks, “flight” snacks and balloons to garner excitement. Nurses were instructed to forward their phones to another nurse to cover patient care & reduce interruptions. Zen dens were created with stress reducing items & activities. This included nature pictures, salt lamps, coloring books, & reclining chairs with massage chair overlays.
Outcomes :
Post-intervention surveys demonstrated modest improvement in the percentage of nurses reporting stress reduction with breaks over time. Nurses reported stress reduction with breaks at a baseline level of 35%, with post survey results showing 57%. Night shift reported more stress reduction with breaks than day shift. Some resistance was encountered handing off patients or forwarding phones as nurses had a difficult time relinquishing control and did not want to burden other nurses.
Implications for Practice :
Literature and practice demonstrated the need to focus on nursing health and well-being. Interrupted or skipped breaks are common amongst nurses and may negatively impact stress levels. Promotion of uninterrupted, restorative breaks demonstrated that nursing stress levels may be subjectively improved.
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Publication Date
11-15-2023
Health & wellbeing of the nurse
Background and/or Rationale:
Central Shared Governance focused on the strategic goal of promoting nurse health and well-being. A survey found interrupted or skipped meal breaks were common on inpatient units. We reviewed the literature and found that the majority of nurses experience workplace stress and that adequate breaks and break areas can decrease stress. Central Shared Governance identified this common occurrence as being misaligned with our nurse health and well-being goals.
Aim or Purpose:
We decided to promote and support uninterrupted, restorative breaks and provide high quality break areas to reduce stress based on the evidence we found.
Implementation Plan:
Nurses were surveyed on break frequency, stress levels, and educated on the importance of taking uninterrupted and restorative breaks. Project support was obtained from nursing leadership. An awareness campaign utilizing a travel theme “Take a Mental Vacation” was launched and included boarding passes to take breaks, “flight” snacks and balloons to garner excitement. Nurses were instructed to forward their phones to another nurse to cover patient care & reduce interruptions. Zen dens were created with stress reducing items & activities. This included nature pictures, salt lamps, coloring books, & reclining chairs with massage chair overlays.
Outcomes :
Post-intervention surveys demonstrated modest improvement in the percentage of nurses reporting stress reduction with breaks over time. Nurses reported stress reduction with breaks at a baseline level of 35%, with post survey results showing 57%. Night shift reported more stress reduction with breaks than day shift. Some resistance was encountered handing off patients or forwarding phones as nurses had a difficult time relinquishing control and did not want to burden other nurses.
Implications for Practice :
Literature and practice demonstrated the need to focus on nursing health and well-being. Interrupted or skipped breaks are common amongst nurses and may negatively impact stress levels. Promotion of uninterrupted, restorative breaks demonstrated that nursing stress levels may be subjectively improved.
Affiliations
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital