Date of Graduation
Spring 5-20-2022
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Program
MSN project
Abstract
Problem: Feelings of burnout are rampant in the nursing profession, and can have serious consequences for nurses’ mental health, patient safety, and healthcare facility costs. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated burnout and made it difficult for nurses to cope with constant anxiety, fear, and grief.
Context: At an outpatient clinic in Santa Clara County, nurses on the COVID-19 testing and vaccination unit were observed and communicated feelings of burnout related to the pandemic and other stressors. Based on the mixed-methods data collection performed, a quasi-experimental study was carried out by implementing mental health interventions to support the staff.
Interventions: A Mental Health Champion (MHC) was established on the unit to lead daily temperature checks during mid-shift huddles, which would assess how the nurses were feeling mentally and emotionally. If any nurse indicated they were struggling, the MHC would refer them to resources, check in more frequently, and connect them with management if necessary.
Measures: The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was used in pre- and post-surveys to measure burnout levels before and after implementation of the MHCs and daily temperature checks. Data from the COVID-19 unit (Clinic A) was compared to a control group of nurses at another clinic in Santa Clara County under the same macrosystem (Clinic B), who did not receive the intervention.
Results: Results indicated that nurses in the microsystem scored lower on the CBI after receiving the mental health interventions, meaning they felt less burnout. Those nurses also had lower scores on the CBI than the control group for 3 out of 5 questions.
Conclusion: It is clear that nursing burnout needs to be addressed now more than ever, and establishing an MHC in the microsystem that can check in with staff and provide support could be the difference between the nurses succeeding in their roles or leaving their roles.
Recommended Citation
Perry, Kayla, "Addressing Nursing Burnout: Seeking the Need for Mental Health Interventions to Support the Nursing Workforce" (2022). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1338.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1338
