A Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Nurses: Rationale, Theoretical Framework, and Development.

OBJECTIVE: Nursing is a demanding profession with constant stressors, which makes nurses vulnerable to the detrimental effects of high stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue. There is a need for a multidimensional group intervention facilitated by a licensed mental health professional to improve mental health and well-being in nurses. An intervention called RISE, which is an acronym for resilience, insight, self-compassion, and empowerment, was developed to promote self-care, protect against burnout, and improve indicators of well-being among nurses. We explain the rationale, theoretical framework, and development of RISE. METHODS: RISE is based on an integrative theoretical framework of mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It consists of eight psychoeducational group sessions with topics related to the four RISE themes of resilience, insight, self-compassion, and empowerment. RESULTS: RISE is a contribution to the literature on well-being interventions for nurses. It will further the understanding of effective interventions to mediate the detrimental effects of stress and burnout in nursing and to improve the mental health and well-being of nurses amid the complex interplay of factors at the individual, unit, and organizational levels. CONCLUSIONS: As an approach that combines education with therapeutic process and support to improve coping and well-being inside and outside of the workplace, RISE addresses the underlying causes and effects of high stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.

Resilience, Insight, Self-Compassion, and Empowerment (RISE): A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psychoeducational Group Program for Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Nurses tend to be vulnerable to burnout and compassion fatigue due to constant workplace stressors. There is a need to provide advocacy, education, programming, and resources in the areas of positive coping and self-care to reduce burnout symptoms and promote well-being. RISE is an 8-week psychoeducational group intervention for nurses with four themes: resilience, insight, self-compassion, and empowerment. AIMS: This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of RISE on mental well-being. METHODS: The sample included 75 registered nurses who work in a hospital-based setting. Outcomes included resilience, insight, self-compassion, empowerment, stress mind-set, perceived stress, and burnout. Independent-samples t tests were conducted to compare outcomes between intervention and wait-list control groups at baseline and 1-month follow-up, as well as at 3-month follow-up. Supplemental analyses included paired-samples t tests and linear mixed models to compare the outcomes of the intervention group participants at baseline to 1-month follow-up, as well as at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Participants in the intervention group showed improved levels of insight (i.e., engagement in self-reflection), perceived stress, and burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion) when compared with the control group and improved levels of resilience, self-compassion, stress mind-set, and perceived stress when compared with their baseline. CONCLUSIONS: This study informs how RISE affects nurse well-being and may be an effective intervention for reducing burnout and stress. This type of whole-person intervention can support nurses to improve their well-being and ability to cope amid the complex interplay of factors at the individual, unit, and organizational levels.

Employment Status of Nurses After a Psychoeducational Group Intervention: A Matched Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: This matched case-control study compared the long-term employment status of direct care nurses based on participation in a psychoeducational group intervention and calculated the estimated cost savings. BACKGROUND: Chronic stress, in addition to lack of support and low autonomy, can lead to burnout among nurses. Burnout is a common reason for job dissatisfaction and turnover. Interventions combining education with therapeutic processing and peer support may lead to healing and growth in nurses already experiencing the effects of chronic stress and burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to stress among nurses. METHODS: Fifty-four direct care nurses who participated in the intervention were paired with 54 direct care nurses who did not participate, matched on the following variables: age, gender, race, work setting, and campus. RESULTS: This study found a higher percentage of direct care nurses who participated in the intervention remained employed compared with the matched control subjects who did not participate. CONCLUSION: At a relatively low cost compared with the cost of turnover by each nurse, the psychoeducational group intervention may provide an opportunity to improve retention among nurses.

Clinical Leader Series: A Virtual Mental Well-being Initiative for Nurse Leaders During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

OBJECTIVE: A virtual mental well-being initiative was developed for nurse leaders to provide education about mental health and to teach self-care skills. BACKGROUND: Because of substantial demand placed on nurse leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations must address stress and burnout by providing a continuum of care to include education, support, and intervention. METHODS: All levels of nurse leaders at a multicampus healthcare system were invited to attend. Data were collected on coping, empowerment, burnout, and quality of life. Participant responses to discussion prompts were compiled and reviewed. RESULTS: Although the independent parallel comparison did not show significant improvements, scores on the coping, empowerment, burnout, and quality-of-life measures were maintained. Discussion prompts yielded valuable insights into nurse leader experiences and session effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: This type of education, as well as psychological support, will continue to be needed after the pandemic due to burnout, moral injury, and primary or secondary trauma. Findings are applicable to future crisis situations.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Improve Whole-Person Lifestyle.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of a motivational interviewing intervention to improve whole-person lifestyle and reduce cardiovascular disease risk profile. A sample of 111 adults with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension was recruited from a primary care physician practice. The intervention was facilitated by a program specialist trained in motivational interviewing. Outcomes included body mass index, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, waist circumference, wellness scores, and substance use. Differences in the changes in body mass index and waist circumference existed between the intervention and control groups after 6 months. In the intervention group, the proportion of high wellness scores increased after the program. A whole-person lifestyle intervention with motivational interviewing for patients with metabolic syndrome can improve one's health in terms of components in the cardiovascular disease risk profile, as well as overall wellness. Efforts to improve the health of these patients may incorporate motivational interviewing to guide goal setting and address mental and spiritual health in addition to physical health.