Date of Conferral
8-4-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Donna Bailey
Abstract
Burnout is a recurrent problem for healthcare workers and is associated with staff turnover, a decline in the quality of care, emotional fatigue, and risks to patient safety. This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) staff education initiative created a mindfulness-based training program to expand the knowledge of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants on mindfulness practices in a behavioral health setting. Baseline assessment data identified a need for support to address emotional fatigue, absenteeism, and staff disengagement, with a mean pre‑education knowledge score of 66%. A structured, in‑person educational program addressing burnout awareness, stress reactivity, and helpful mindfulness methods was designed and delivered using the ADDIE instructional design framework, consistent with the Johns Hopkins evidence‑based practice approach. The instruments used for evaluation were pre‑ and post‑tests of knowledge, attendance logs, satisfaction scores, and participant comments. Results indicated high participant satisfaction (mean rating 4.7/5), good feasibility with 83% staff participation, and a 20‑percentage‑point increase in mean knowledge scores (66% to 86%). Participants reported feeling more confident in identifying stressors and implementing mindfulness practices in clinical situations. Findings indicate that brief mindfulness training is a feasible, low‑cost strategy to enhance staff awareness and promote wellness in busy behavioral health settings. The current study contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting mindfulness‑based interventions are effective tools for preventing burnout in healthcare professionals. The findings support the inclusion of mindfulness training as part of staff development initiatives, such as new‑hire orientation and periodic refresher training, to promote resilience and well‑being among clinicians.
Recommended Citation
Buxton, Barbara, "Staff Education to Improve Mindfulness Knowledge Among RNs, NPs, and MAs in a Behavioral Health Setting" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20509.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20509
