Mitigation of Nurse Leader Burnout
Publication Title
WIN 2024
Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-17-2024
Keywords
california; fullerton
Abstract
Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to create a nurse leader burnout mitigation toolkit and assess efficacy through a pre and post-toolkit implementation burnout assessment survey at a local community, Magnet® recognized acute care hospital.
Background: Burnout is a substantial problem in healthcare and is identified as a significant cause of nurses leaving the nursing profession. Defined as a state of continuous psychological stress within work life, burnout has an influential negative impact on patients, the workforce, and organizations. The challenges in the current healthcare work environment create conditions for professional burnout at all nursing levels. Burnout for clinical nurses at the bedside is well researched, but there is growing need to investigate burnout of nurse leaders. Burnout resulting in increased turnover of nurse leaders impacts direct and indirect costs such as decreased care quality, patient satisfaction, and caregiver experience as well as the financial implications of recruiting and training new nurse leaders.
Methodology: This DNP project utilized the PARIHS conceptual framework to guide the implementation of an evidenced-based burnout mitigation toolkit. The mitigation of nurse leader burnout toolkit included a validated assessment tool, comprehensive education and training, support systems, workplace adjustments, and evaluation. Education and training provided nurse leaders with the knowledge and skills to identify symptoms of burnout and effectively manage stress. A list of available support resources was provided with the toolkit. This project utilized the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) self-report assessment survey which measures burnout in the workplace. The pre survey assessment was completed and the following week, the mitigation of burnout toolkit was launched. The education sessions were completed, and mitigation of burnout toolkits were utilized by participants for a total of four weeks, then the post survey was completed. A comprehensive data analysis and evaluation were conducted to measure the effectiveness of the toolkit and identify areas for improvement.
Results: Results from the pre and post surveys demonstrate trending in the correct direction, indicating less burnout, but no statistically significant results were found. The data indicates that nurse leaders are feeling emotionally drained, tired and have difficulty tolerating the pressures of work. The results imply burnout among nurse leaders may be influenced by various factors such as workload, organizational culture, and job demands. Additionally, findings indicate that aspects of their work, such as incorporating innovative practices, professional development opportunities, or engaging in meaningful projects, support nurse leader well-being and help to mitigate nurse leader burnout.
Discussion and Nursing Implications: Findings from this project demonstrate the extent of burnout amongst nurse leaders and promising results from the use of the mitigation of burnout toolkit. However, the abbreviated timeframe for implementation and utilization of the toolkit may have impacted findings. Burnout rates of nurse leaders are not well studied or well understood. Since the work of nurse leaders is of utmost importance, further strategies must be implemented and investigated to determine the impact of burnout on nurse leaders.
Area of Special Interest
Mental Health
Specialty/Research Institute
Nursing
Specialty/Research Institute
Behavioral Health
