Implementation of a mindfulness campaign to reduce nurse burnout: A quality improvement project.

A quality improvement project introduced a mindfulness campaign to reduce burnout among ICU nurses, whose stress was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses used the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory engagement method and carried badge cards for quick reference. Pre- and post-intervention surveys using the Maslach Burnout Inventory showed a small effect size across all three subcategories, with a nonsignificant decrease in emotional exhaustion scores. The intervention offered a helpful stress management tool, but the authors suggest that meaningful reduction in burnout requires institution-level changes to address systemic stressors and support nurse retention.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Nurse burnout in the ICU is driven by long hours, a high-pressure environment, and overwhelming workloads, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This quality improvement project aimed to decrease burnout among ICU nurses by implementing a mindfulness campaign. Pre- and post-intervention surveys, utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), were conducted to measure changes in burnout levels. Participants engaged in the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness method, designed to reduce stress through sensory engagement, and received badge cards for easy reference during their shifts. Results showed a small effect size in all three MBI subcategories, with a nonsignificant decrease in emotional exhaustion scores. Although the mindfulness intervention provided a helpful stress management tool, a significant reduction in burnout requires institution-level changes to address systemic stressors and promote nurse retention.