Project Title
Date of Award
Summer 2023
Document Type
Final DNP Paper
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Faculty Chair
Dr. Laura Pruitt Walker
Preceptor
Dr. ShyAndrea Brazil
Abstract
Background: Burnout is feeling emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted due to stress in the workplace. Caring for acute psychiatric patients can impact the mental health of nursing staff and contribute to high-stress levels. Nursing burnout contributes to staffing shortages and increased risk for adverse patient safety events in an acute inpatient mental health unit.
Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Quality Improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the impact of a peer support group on burnout reduction in the nursing staff working in an acute inpatient mental health unit.
Methods: A peer support group was implemented in an acute inpatient mental health unit. Education was provided on coping strategies excerpted from Taking Charge of My Life & Health (TCMLH). The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) pre-and post-assessment tool was used to measure emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment.
Results: Key results using the MBI assessment tool showed no statistically significant difference in pre- and post-assessment in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. There was no statistical significance in the reduction of adverse safety events.
Conclusion: The implementation of a peer support group did not show statistical significance in reducing burnout in an acute inpatient mental health unit. However, the project did support clinical significance in promoting positive communication and building relationships to create a safe working environment. More studies are recommended with extended time to evaluate the impact of peer support groups in reducing burnout.
Keywords: burnout, nurse burnout, acute mental health, mental health nurses, stress
Recommended Citation
Scott, Marilyn, "Evaluation of a Peer Support Group Implementation to Reduce Burnout in Nursing Staff on an Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit" (2023). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 106.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/106