Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Spring 5-12-2026
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Angela Nash
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the impact of implementing use of the Smiling Mind app (a free and easily accessed mobile application that teaches mindfulness skills) in inpatient psychiatric nurses. The aims: A 20% reduction in Perceived Stress and improved Workplace Satisfaction after 10 weeks.
Background: Workplace stressors experienced by psychiatric nurses include high patient acuity, emotional strain, environmental factors, and new policies. Unmanaged stress can harm nurse's well being and affect quality of care.
Methodology: Using a pre-post implementation design, 7 dayshift and 10 night-shift nurses used the Smiling Mind app for 10 weeks. Perceived stress (PSS-10) and workplace satisfaction (WPS) were measured pre and post implementation. Participants’ qualitative feedback guided project improvements during PDSA cycles.
Results: After 10 weeks, night-shift nurses exceeded the target, achieving a 30.9% reduction in stress. Day shift nurses reported only a 13.4% reduction in stress. Both shifts displayed increases in WPS: Dayshift (17.8%) and Nightshift (7.1%). Contextual factors influencing results included new management, policy changes, and varying shift demands.
Implications: The incorporation of mindfulness with the use of the Smiling Mind app holds promise for stress reduction and improved workplace satisfaction in inpatient psychiatric nurses. Future studies focused on MBI should expand to other organizations and broaden participation across populations.
Keywords
mindfulness-based intervention, stress management, Smiling Mind, mindfulness-based mobile application, stress in psychiatric nurses, quality improvement, stress management intervention, stress reduction
Recommended Citation
Emma Jade Mowery and Justin D. Ruiz, "Implementing a Mindfulness Mobile Application, Smiling Mind to Reduce Stress Experienced by Inpatient Psychiatric Nurses" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 142.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/142
Signed Abstract Authorization Form