Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair
Darlene Showalter
Committee Member
Kimberlee Redwine
Subject(s)
Burn out (Psychology)--Prevention, Nurses--Job stress, Nurses--Mental health, Mindfulness (Psychology), Mobile apps
Abstract
Nurse burnout, a pervasive syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment, significantly impacts patient safety and the well-being of the nursing workforce. The problem of nurse burnout is a significant issue stemming from the high stress demands and emotional toll of the profession. This chronic stress not only impacts the nurses' well-being but also negatively affects patient care and overall healthcare system efficiency. Addressing nurse burnout and stress is crucial at facilities like the Birmingham Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, where the demanding nature of caring for veterans can contribute to significant emotional and professional strain. The purpose of this DNP project was to implement an evidence-based mindfulness application, Insight Timer, to increase mindfulness, and mitigate burnout and perceived stress among nursing staff at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic. The three validated instruments: the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Statistical analysis demonstrated a reduction in perceived stress (PSS mean decreased by 15.50% from 15.8 to 13.3) and burnout scores (CBI-Personal mean decreased by 22.9% from 45.1 to 34.8, CBI-Work-Related mean decreased by 30.7% from 41.7 to 28.9, and CBI-Client-Related mean decreased by 11.21% from 19.7 to 11.2), mindfulness scores increased slightly; however, not statistically significant (MAAS mean increased by 2.80% from 4.26 to 4.38) following participation in the mindfulness intervention. Consequently, the findings suggest that consistent utilization of this evidence-based mindfulness program is associated with enhanced stress and burnout management among participants, as well as a subtle improvement in mindfulness.
Recommended Citation
Bryant, Natalie J., "A mindfulness app intervention : reducing stress and burnout in outpatient nurses" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 163.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-dnp/163