Effectiveness of a Positive Psychotherapy Tool in Reducing Burnout and Increasing Morale of Night Shift Mental Health Workers on an Acute Pediatric Psychiatric Floor

Authors

Esther GatonyeFollow

Author Biographical Info

My name is Esther Gatonye, and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse with nearly ten years of experience in pediatric mental health and medical-surgical nursing. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2015. Currently, I work as a Pediatric Psychiatric Admissions Nurse at Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin, Texas. In this role, I ensure the safe and seamless admission of pediatric patients experiencing mental health crises, providing crucial first-line support to both patients and their families. I am dedicated to calming anxieties and facilitating access to essential mental health services, serving as the first introduction to the Mental Health unit for those seeking treatment.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about enhancing mental health care for children. I am an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Austin (PAPNA), the American Nurses Association Texas Chapter, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. My involvement in these organizations reflects my commitment to continuous professional development and advocacy for quality mental health services.

My extensive experience and unwavering dedication to pediatric mental health drive me to improve patient outcomes and advance practices that support the mental well-being of children and their families. I am passionate about mentoring emerging nurses and advocating for policies that promote equitable access to quality healthcare, striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve.

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

Spring 4-30-2024

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Kelly Kearney

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: This scholarly project's purpose was to enhance the well-being of mental healthcare workers on the night shift in an acute pediatric mental health unit by implementing the Three Good Things (3GT) positive psychotherapy tool. The project intended to address the issue of high burnout rates among healthcare workers and improve employee well-being and patient care.

Background: The project was implemented in a 16-bed Mental Health Unit within a pediatric hospital located in the Austin Metroplex.

Methodology: The project employed a non-randomized pre-, mid, and post-design and utilized surveys to evaluate burnout, well-being, and coping skills. Burnout was measured using a seven-item Maslach Burnout Inventory, well-being with a twelve-item assessment, and coping skills with the Brief Resilient Coping Scale.

Results: The 3GT tool reduced burnout among night shift MHU staff by encouraging a focus on positive experiences, thereby buffering daily stressors. This led to improved mental health, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Participants developed better coping skills, managed stress more effectively, and experienced a more supportive team environment. The intervention fostered a healthier work atmosphere, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

Implications for Practice: Regular reflection on positive experiences can improve mental health and job satisfaction and reduce burnout among nurses and behavioral health assistants working the night shift. This contributes to higher-quality patient care, lower turnover rates, and reduced recruitment and training costs. Institutionalizing 3GT can promote a wellness culture across healthcare settings, enhancing overall operational efficiency and employee morale. The project's positive outcomes support the integration of wellness programs into standard healthcare practices, benefiting both healthcare providers and patients.

Keywords: Three Good Things (3GT), BHTs, project, burnout, wellness culture, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Overall Well-being, Coping Skills.

Keywords

Three Good Things (3GT), BHTs, project, burnout, wellness culture, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Overall Well-being, Coping Skills.

Recommended Citation

Gatonye, Esther, "Effectiveness of a Positive Psychotherapy Tool in Reducing Burnout and Increasing Morale of Night Shift Mental Health Workers on an Acute Pediatric Psychiatric Floor" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 33.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/33