Workplace Resiliency: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a System-Based Nurse Support Program

Abstract

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for nurses and healthcare systems, including mental health concerns and intention to leave job roles.

Aims:

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a midwestern health system’s resiliency programming in supporting nurse well-being and decreasing intent to leave roles, the organization, and/or the profession.

Methods:

A 25-question survey was deployed among all staff nurses in the system. Key measures considered whether there were differences in well-being and intent to leave between nurses who had an interaction with a “Resiliency Rounder” compared to those who did not, as well as between nurses who worked on high-risk units compared to those who did not. Interviews with Resiliency Rounders about the program were transcribed and coded to assess for consistent themes.

Results:

The study found that nurses who interacted with a Rounder disagreed with intending to leave the system. Nurses who worked on COVID-19 units reported better well-being but also agreed with intending to leave their roles, the system, and the profession. Themes such as looking ahead, variability, value and appreciation, and connection and teamwork emerged throughout the study.

Conclusions:

The Resiliency Rounder program was effective in supporting nurse well-being in high-risk units and decreasing intent to leave the organization for nurses across the system. Findings add to a growing body of knowledge about nursing resiliency within the workplace. As experts in the field of mental health, psychiatric nurses can aid in the design and implementation of resiliency programming to prepare for future workforce crises.