Document Type

DNP Project

Department

School of Nursing

Date of Degree

Spring 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Primary Advisor

Jennifer M. Walsh, DNP, CPNP-PC, CNE

Keywords

Workplace resiliency; Workplace burnout; Compassion Fatigue; Building resiliency

Abstract

Background: Nurses, especially those that work in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU), are at risk for professional burnout and compassion fatigue. Moral resiliency has been recognized as a mitigating factor and the target to improve working conditions for nurses.

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot resiliency program was to increase resiliency and self-reported self- care activities in PCICU nurses in a quaternary children’s hospital.

Methods: A pre- and post-study design was used to measure resiliency and self-care in addition to satisfaction with implemented program. Nurses were invited to take the 10 item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and the Mindful Self Care Scale (MSCS) pre- and post- resiliency training program. The multi-modal program consisted of an initial didactic training and an online toolkit with resources for staff with interactive forums for peer sharing followed by bi-weekly facilitated peer support sessions.

Results: 61 nurses completed the pre-intervention surveys and 44 of 57 available nurses completed the post-intervention surveys. The CD-RISC mean scores increased from 40.27 to 40.46 (p= 0.74) but each of the sub-scales of the MSCS had mean scores increases: Relaxation scores were 12.8 to 13.73 (p = 0.84), Physical Care scores were 13.13 to 14.22 (p = 0.201), Self Compassion scores were 12.8 to 14.8 (p <0.001), Relationships scores were 17.4 to 17.9 (P= 0.423), Structure scores were 14.6 to 15.2 (p=0.212), and Awareness scores were 10.2 to 11.6 (p=0.005).

Conclusion: The resiliency program was a feasible intervention with positive satisfaction scores and comments as well as a significant increases in self-reported self-care in 2 subscales. Staff were engaged in all three portions of the resiliency program. The results have inspired program expansion and maintenance to support staff.

Open Access

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