Dissertation
Decreasing Burnout with Mindfulness Techniques in Intensive Care Nurses
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Nurses that work in intensive care units (ICUs) are at high risk of burnout due to the critical conditions and deaths of their patients. Burnout is associated with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a higher likelihood of errors. Mindfulness based interventions have been proven effective in reducing burnout in ICU nurses. Although burnout is recognized as an issue, effective interventions such as mindfulness are not consistently implemented to address it. The purpose of this project was to examine burnout among nurses in an intensive care setting, perform a literature search to examine factors in mitigating it, and then use evidence-based interventions to decrease burnout. Nurses were recruited and offered an incentive, which included a free month of yoga and fitness classes. A pre-survey to measure burnout was sent out and included the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and a question about knowledge of mindfulness. The intervention took place and consisted of two 2-hour interactive mindfulness classes taught by physicians via zoom. A post-survey was sent out via email to measure burnout again using the OLBI, as well assess knowledge and attitudes toward the intervention. This intervention had a positive effect but reached a limited number of participants. Mindfulness posters were developed hung throughout the ICU. These included QR codes linked to a brief burnout self-assessment before and after short, guided mindfulness videos. There was a clinically and statistically significant reduction in total burnout score after the intervention (p<0.05) Participants showed increased knowledge of mindfulness techniques and positive attitudes surrounding the intervention. A greater number of individuals utilized the easily accessible mindfulness posters which supported sustainability. All project objectives were met and there was decreased burnout for participants after the mindfulness intervention. There was increased engagement when mindfulness was delivered in a more accessible format. Collaboration with the unit council will support ongoing sustainability of mindfulness in the ICU.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Decreasing Burnout with Mindfulness Techniques in Intensive Care Nurses
- Creators
- Olivia Hildreth - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Barbara St. Marie (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Olivia Hildreth
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841035902771
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