Date of Conferral
11-10-2025
Date of Award
November 2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Catherine Garner
Abstract
Acute care nurses face persistent occupational stress that contributes to burnout, anxiety, depression, and high turnover rates within healthcare systems. The Stress First Aid (SFA) framework offers a proactive, evidence-based approach to identifying and managing psychological distress among healthcare workers. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to implement and evaluate the SFA program as a structured, early-intervention model to improve nurse well-being, retention, and patient care outcomes in an acute care setting. Guided by the Stress Continuum Model and organizational change theory, this project emphasized early recognition of stress, peer support mechanisms, and continuous outcome monitoring. A logic model framework was employed to align inputs, activities, and measurable outcomes. Implementation activities included baseline stress assessments, staff education on stress identification and self-monitoring, and the development of peer mentorship programs. Data collection focused on pre- and post-implementation measures of stress awareness, job satisfaction, and staff retention. Key stakeholders—nurse leaders, mental health professionals, and human resources personnel—collaborated to ensure program fidelity, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Results indicated that structured stress management interventions can reduce staff absenteeism, enhance self-efficacy in stress management, and improve team cohesion. Preliminary findings demonstrated projected outcomes of a 15–20% reduction in turnover and a 25% improvement in job satisfaction. Financial analysis projected cost savings of over $400,000 annually in a 100-nurse facility through improved retention and reduced workers’ compensation claims. The SFA program fostered a psychologically safe workplace culture and advanced positive social change by normalizing mental health support within nursing practice. By emphasizing inclusivity, equity, and resilience, this project provides a replicable model for healthcare organizations seeking to strengthen workforce sustainability and patient care quality. Keywords: Stress First Aid, nurse burnout, acute care, mental health, workforce retention, organizational change, stress management, healthcare resilience
Recommended Citation
Asiegbu, Obioma Maryann, "Structured Follow-Up After Outpatient Visits: A Clinical Practice Guideline" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 19057.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/19057
