| Description |
The purpose of this project was to conduct a needs assessment and develop a strategic plan to overcome barriers to adequate restorative breaks and to entrench break-taking practices for nursing staff in a cardiac unit. Rationale/Background: Burnout reduces job satisfaction, increases the financial burden on organizations, and results in poor patient outcomes. One factor that drives burnout is the lack of opportunities to take regular, rejuvenating breaks during long shifts. Methods: Using surveys and time clock data, a needs assessment was conducted for a single hospital unit to determine the frequency and reasons why nursing staff did not receive breaks. Next, key issues were identified and addressed through practical recommendations from evidence-based literature in the form of a strategic plan. Results: Of the 58 staff members, 66% said they only took one break during a 12-hour shift, while 12% reported skipping breaks entirely. Barriers to break-taking included high patient loads (72%), staffing shortages (33%), administrative duties (40%), and a physical environment not conducive to breaks (44%). Free-text survey responses identified additional issues. Based on these findings, the components of the strategic plan included: 1) implementing a structured break system, 2) fostering a supportive workplace culture, 3) improving the physical space where breaks occur, and 4) increasing awareness of formal break policies. Conclusions: This project identified barriers preventing nursing staff from taking breaks, and developed a strategic plan to mitigate these concerns. The unit can implement this plan to support break opportunities, potentially leading to reduced burnout, improved staff well-being, and positive patient outcomes. |
