Dissertation
Resilience Training to Reduce Burnout in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
Abstract
Background: Nurse burnout is a persistent global concern associated with decreased job satisfaction, increased turnover, and compromised patient outcomes. Pediatric hematology/oncology nurses are particularly vulnerable due to high patient acuity, emotional strain, and repeated exposure to serious illness and loss. Evidence supports resilience training as an effective strategy to enhance coping and reduce emotional exhaustion. Purpose: This project aimed to implement and evaluate a structured resilience training program to reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction among inpatient pediatric hematology/oncology nurses at a Midwestern hospital. Methods: Guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, this project used a pre-post design with registered nurses (n=30) on an inpatient unit. A six-month resilience training program was delivered monthly during shift-change meetings, incorporating cognitive reframing, mindfulness, and emotional regulation techniques. Burnout and job satisfaction were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey and a brief satisfaction survey at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics and mean comparisons were used for analysis due to anonymous data collection. Findings: Baseline surveys were completed by seven nurses and post-intervention surveys by eight nurses. Mean burnout scored decreased from 2.91 to 2.78, reflecting a 4.5% reduction. Improvements were most notable in emotional exhaustion, including reduced feelings of fatigue and frustration. Job satisfaction scores increased from 3.5 to 4 (14.3% improvement), and 59% of participants reported the training as helpful. No adverse outcomes were identified. Discussion: Although the reduction in burnout did not meet the 15% benchmark, findings suggest that brief, structured resilience interventions are feasible and may positively impact emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction. Continued implementation with larger samples and longitudinal evaluation is recommended to strengthen outcomes and support workforce sustainability.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Resilience Training to Reduce Burnout in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses
- Creators
- Meghan Agnew - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Kristin Foster (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Date degree season
- Spring 2026
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2026 Meghan Agnew
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9985217822902771
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