Abstract
Purpose: This evidence-based quality improvement project is aimed to implement and evaluate a self-care resilience program designed to improve work-life balance and self-care management for bedside nurses working 12-hour shifts in an acute care hospital. High rates of burnout and turnover among this population threaten both nurse health and patient care quality.
Methods: Guided by the principles in "Self-Care for New and Student Nurses" (Fontaine et al.), an 8-week program was developed and piloted with 50 medical-surgical nurses. The multi-component intervention included: (1) structured education on mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and nutrition; (2) skill-building workshops in paced breathing and micro-movements for integration during shifts; and (3) the establishment of peer support "buddy" groups. A pre-/post-test design utilized the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and the Self-Care Assessment Worksheet to collect quantitative data. Qualitative feedback was gathered through post-program focus groups to assess feasibility and perceived impact.
Results: Quantitative data analysis showed a statistically significant 20% improvement in compassion satisfaction scores and an 18% reduction in burnout scores on ProQOL. Self-care behavior frequency increased by 32%. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed three key themes: increased awareness of personal needs, the practical utility of "shift-length" self-care strategies, and the value of peer normalization of self-care practices.
Implications: Findings demonstrate that a structured, practical self-care program, grounded in established resources, can effectively enhance the well-being of nurses working demanding 12-hour shifts. This project provides a replicable framework for nursing leadership and administration to invest in staff retention and resilience. By equipping nurses with tangible self-care management skills, healthcare organizations can directly improve the work environment, foster a culture of wellness, and ultimately safeguard patient care quality and safety.
Notes
References:
Fontaine, D. K., Cunningham, T., & May, N. (2021). Self-Care for New and Student Nurses (2nd ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International.
Melnyk, B. M., et al. (2020). Interventions to improve mental health, well-being, physical health, and lifestyle behaviors in physicians and nurses: A systematic review. American Journal of Health Promotion, 34(8), 929-941.
Halm, M. (2019). The role of mindfulness in enhancing self-care and well-being in nurses. Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(10), 469-470.
Wei, H., et al. (2020). Self-care strategies to combat burnout among pediatric critical care nurses and physicians. Critical Care Nurse, 40(2), 44-53.
Stamm, B. H. (2010). The ProQOL Manual: The Professional Quality of Life Scale: Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout & Compassion Fatigue/Secondary Trauma Scales. Sidran Press.
Sigma Membership
Rho Beta
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quality Improvement
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Advancing Clinical Practice, Acute Care, Competence, Stress and Coping, Psychological Resilience, Health Self-Care, Psychological Burnout
Recommended Citation
Ortiz, Timothy C.; Srithumsuk, Werayuth; Podimuang, Kattiya; Campos, Wendy; Geo, Merita; and Pattayakorn, Pinthusorn, "Nurse Self-Care and Resilience on 12-Hour Shifts: A Mixed-Methods Program Evaluation" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 79.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/posters_2026/79
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-27
Nurse Self-Care and Resilience on 12-Hour Shifts: A Mixed-Methods Program Evaluation
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Purpose: This evidence-based quality improvement project is aimed to implement and evaluate a self-care resilience program designed to improve work-life balance and self-care management for bedside nurses working 12-hour shifts in an acute care hospital. High rates of burnout and turnover among this population threaten both nurse health and patient care quality.
Methods: Guided by the principles in "Self-Care for New and Student Nurses" (Fontaine et al.), an 8-week program was developed and piloted with 50 medical-surgical nurses. The multi-component intervention included: (1) structured education on mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and nutrition; (2) skill-building workshops in paced breathing and micro-movements for integration during shifts; and (3) the establishment of peer support "buddy" groups. A pre-/post-test design utilized the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and the Self-Care Assessment Worksheet to collect quantitative data. Qualitative feedback was gathered through post-program focus groups to assess feasibility and perceived impact.
Results: Quantitative data analysis showed a statistically significant 20% improvement in compassion satisfaction scores and an 18% reduction in burnout scores on ProQOL. Self-care behavior frequency increased by 32%. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed three key themes: increased awareness of personal needs, the practical utility of "shift-length" self-care strategies, and the value of peer normalization of self-care practices.
Implications: Findings demonstrate that a structured, practical self-care program, grounded in established resources, can effectively enhance the well-being of nurses working demanding 12-hour shifts. This project provides a replicable framework for nursing leadership and administration to invest in staff retention and resilience. By equipping nurses with tangible self-care management skills, healthcare organizations can directly improve the work environment, foster a culture of wellness, and ultimately safeguard patient care quality and safety.
Description
Discover the outcomes of an 8-week self-care resilience program for nurses on 12-hour shifts. This mixed-methods study, featuring education, workshops, and buddy groups, yielded a significant 20% improvement in compassion satisfaction and an 18% reduction in burnout. This session will present the successful intervention and a practical framework you can implement to support your nursing staff.