Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Summer 2026
Faculty Advisor
Lisa Thomas, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, CRRN, NEA-BC, CNE
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement chaplain-led professional wellness sessions to improve the well-being of nurses on an oncology pilot unit. Aims were to increase nurse retention by 5%, decrease staff absenteeism by 3%, and improve Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores by 10%, and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scores by 10% from baseline.
Background
The emotionally taxing nature of oncology patient care creates a high-pressure environment, which can lead to turnover. Literature has shown that allowing staff to pray, debrief and engage in peer support groups to discuss work-related stressful encounters reduces stress and promotes calmness.
Methodology
This project was implemented over a 12-week period in a 25-bed medical oncology unit in a teaching hospital in Houston, Texas. Measurements were collected at pre- and post-intervention. The chaplain led two, one-hour sessions bundling evidence-based wellness interventions.
Results
The unit’s retention rate was 90% at baseline and 97% following the intervention period. The absenteeism rate among nurses was 3.8% at baseline compared to 4% at post-intervention. Although average stress scores increased from 21 to 24, participants noted that the sessions cultivated a positive work atmosphere. At post-intervention, 80% of participants acknowledged that chaplains are a valuable resource for staff support.
Implications
Chaplains are an underutilized resource who can serve not only patients, but also provide support to staff. Incorporating chaplain-led wellness sessions into clinical workflow demonstrated feasibility, highlighting that a multifaceted approach is an appropriate action to address occupational well-being.
Keywords
Burnout, Quality Improvement, Oncology Nurses, Occupational Stress, Wellness
Recommended Citation
Connie Tran, "Implementing a Professional Wellness Session to Foster Improvement in Oncology Nurse Retention and Well-Being" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 209.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/209