Date of Conferral
11-14-2025
Date of Award
November 2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Catherine Garner
Abstract
Background: Primary care nursing faces an escalating burnout crisis threatening patient safety and organizational sustainability. Internal data reveals 68% of primary care nurses report high emotional exhaustion scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), significantly exceeding the national average of 45%. Annual voluntary turnover of 28% results in direct replacement costs exceeding $750,000, with associated increases in absenteeism (15% higher) and overtime costs (22% higher) compared to regional benchmarks. Purpose: This quality improvement project implemented a comprehensive multi-departmental resilience and stress reduction program to reduce nurse burnout, improve retention, and enhance patient safety outcomes in a primary care setting serving 42,000 patients annually. Methods: The evidence-based intervention combined Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training, peer support networks (RISE program), leadership development, physical wellness infrastructure (Serenity Lounges), and integrated technology platforms. Implementation occurred over 18 months using a phased approach with 20 primary care nurses. Mixed-methods evaluation assessed individual outcomes (burnout, job satisfaction, resilience), organizational outcomes (turnover, absenteeism, overtime), and patient safety indicators using 35 distinct measures collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Results: Target outcomes included 25% burnout score reduction, 30% decreased voluntary turnover (from 28% to 19.6%), 20% improved job satisfaction, 15% reduction in patient safety incidents, and 20% reduction in medication error rates. The program achieved a three-year return on investment of 294% ($1,361,975 net benefit) with a payback period of 11.2 months. Implications: This multi-component intervention demonstrates a sustainable, cost-effective approach to addressing nurse burnout through systemic organizational change rather than individual-focused solutions. The program aligns with Joint Commission standards and Magnet designation requirements while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through culturally adapted resources and equitable access. Results provide a replicable model for healthcare organizations addressing workforce sustainability, with implications for improved patient care quality, enhanced community health access, and advancement of nursing workforce wellbeing nationally.
Recommended Citation
Adeyemi, Joy, "Secondary Teachers’ Instructional Strategies and Challenges in Teaching English Language Learners in Mississippi" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 19145.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/19145
