The development of a wellness resource for new graduate nurses in acute care settings

Pinto, Maria (2022) The development of a wellness resource for new graduate nurses in acute care settings. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: The psychological well-being (PWB) of registered nurses is integral to the local working environment and healthcare systems overall. Often, new graduates experience significant psychological distress transitioning into the workforce, leading to high rates of new nurses leaving the profession. Purpose: To develop a resource to promote and protect the psychological health of new graduate nurses within Eastern Health. Methods: I performed a literature review, consultation, and environmental scan. I conducted nine informal consultations with four new graduate nurses, four registered nurses, and a nurse educator to gather local, contextualized data. Through the environmental scan, I explored how other jurisdictions (i.e., other areas in Newfoundland and Labrador and other provinces within Canada) utilize resources and/or other strategies to enhance healthcare employees' psychological health. Results: Enhancing the PWB of nurses can improve patient safety, job satisfaction, and nurse retention. I also identified several coping strategies, such as mindfulness, that significantly increase the PWB of new graduate nurses. Based on these educational strategies, I created a wellness resource comprising a presentation, lanyard tag, and brochure. Collectively, in these strategies, I discuss psychological health, signs of psychological distress, available resources within Eastern Health, and how to access these resources. Conclusion: The nursing profession is stressful, and it is vital to promote the PWB of registered nurses. I plan to implement the wellness resource during Eastern Health’s employee orientation and nursing education workshops. I will approach the Acute Care Inpatient Policy Consultant for Mental Health and Addictions about the availability of lanyard tags and brochures. Once implemented, the next step will be to plan and evaluate the effectiveness and usability of this resource for registered nurses.

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