Speakers - WNSC 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
A study on nurse burnout investigated the specific factors contributing to their exhaustion and explored its impact on patient care. The rationale recognized and addressed burnout's current and potential consequences, such as decreased job satisfaction, high turnover, and compromised patient outcomes in efforts to enhance both nurse well-being and quality patient care.

Method: 
A quantitative study was collected utilizing the “Before and After” research model. Data was collected from nurses on a high-acuity floor before and after implementing the well-being initiative. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by a little over two dozen nurses questioning the cause of their stress, whether they feel supported by their peers and leaders, and whether they have any current well-being strategies to help offset their stress. Post data was collected with the same and a couple of additional questions by a little under a dozen nurses. Data was collected on whether the nurses utilized the break, if they did if they found it beneficial, and if they didn’t, what prevented them from partaking. Lastly, data was collected regardless of their previous participation in the pilot on whether they would like to continue to utilize the break.
Results: 
The causes of nurse burnout in my pre-data survey aligned with the data I retrieved in my literature review. The pre-data collected showed that nurses could incorporate well-being strategies into their lives. However, how many hadn’t was unclear, and whether it worked. After implementing the “Rest and Restore” breaks, the post-data showed that nurses felt more supported by their peers and leadership and that all staff members wanted to continue the breaks.

Conclusions:
In conclusion, this study highlighted the growing issue of nurse burnout and its impact on healthcare. This study emphasized the urgency of implementing an intervention by acknowledging the problems resulting in nurse burnout and its implications on patient care. A well-being practice, “Rest and Restore” break, was piloted on a busy unit, which proved beneficial to their overall well-being. While the study was done over time due to time constraints, everyone who participated in the post-survey said they would like this pilot to become a staple practice in the unit. Data continues to be taken with the unit’s new practice, which will be further shared with the hospital at the end of the year.