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 the use of the Smiling Mind app (a free and easily accessible mobile application that teaches mindfulness skills) among inpatient psychiatric nurses. The aims were to see a 20% reduction in Perceived Stress and improved Workplace Satisfaction after 10 weeks.
Background
Stressors experienced at work by inpatient psychiatric nurses include patient acuity, emotional demands, environmental factors, and policy implementation. Unmanaged stress can disrupt a nurse's work-life and harm the quality of care provided to patients.
Methodology
Using a pre-post implementation design, 7-day shift 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-intervention. Participants’ qualitative feedback guided project improvements during PDSA cycles.
Results
After 10 weeks, night-shift nurses exceeded the aim, 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 through the Smiling Mind app holds promise for reducing stress and improving workplace satisfaction among inpatient psychiatric nurses.
Future studies focused on MBI should expand to other organizations and broaden participation across healthcare populations.
Key Words: Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI), Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), Workplace Satisfaction (WPS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Quality Improvement (QI)
Keywords
mindfulness-based intervention, stress management, Smiling Mind, mindfulness-based mobile application, stress, psychiatric nurses, quality improvement, stress management, stress reduction
Recommended Citation
Justin Ruiz and Emma Mowery, "Implementing a Mindfulness Mobile Application, Smiling Mind to Reduce Stress Experienced by Inpatient Psychiatric Nurses" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 155.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/155