Introduction
Burnout among nurses is a pervasive issue that negatively impacts patient care, job satisfaction, and the overall functioning of healthcare organizations. The high-stress environment of healthcare, coupled with long hours and emotional labor, contributes to feelings of exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Addressing nurse burnout is essential not only for the well-being of the nurses but also for the quality of care provided to patients. This literature review examines two peer-reviewed evidence-based practice sources to explore the effectiveness of training interventions on mitigating nurse burnout, enhancing patient care, and improving job satisfaction. The PICOT question guiding this review is: Does patient care and job satisfaction among nurses in a healthcare organization improve two months after training compared to no training?
Literature Review
The first peer-reviewed EBP source is a study by Melnyk, B. M., Kelly, S. A., Stephens, J., Dhakal, K., McGovern, C., Tucker, S.,… & Bird, S. B. (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. This systematic review analyzes various interventions, including training, aimed at improving health outcomes for healthcare professionals. The authors found that training programs focusing on stress management, coping strategies, and resilience building had a positive impact on reducing burnout symptoms and enhancing job satisfaction. Training aimed at developing personal and professional skills contributed to better patient care by improving communication and empathy among nurses.
The second EBP source is a randomized controlled trial by Van der Heijden, B. I., Mulder, R. H., König, C., Anselmann, V., & Rijk, A. E. (2019). Toward a mediation model for nurses’ well-being and psychological distress effects of quality of leadership and social support at work. Medicine, 98(15). This study assessed the effects of leadership training on nurse burnout and job satisfaction. The training program targeted nurse leaders, equipping them with skills to provide better support and create a positive work environment for their teams. The findings suggest that improved leadership quality correlates with reduced nurse burnout and increased job satisfaction. The study emphasizes the importance of a supportive work environment and the role of leadership in fostering it.
Both studies underscore the significance of training as an intervention to address nurse burnout and improve job satisfaction. Melnyk et al. (2020) focus broadly on training programs for nurses, highlighting the need for stress management and resilience training. In contrast, Van der Heijden et al. (2019) concentrate on leadership training as a means to enhance support for nurses. While the former emphasizes individual coping mechanisms, the latter highlights organizational support as a key factor in reducing burnout.
Melnyk et al. (2020) provide a more generalizable approach to training interventions that can be applied widely to nurses at various levels. Van der Heijden et al. (2019), however, present a specific solution targeting nurse leaders, implying that change should start from the top. Both studies agree on the positive outcomes of training but differ in their target audience and the scope of the training content.
Conclusion
The literature reviewed suggests that training interventions are effective in reducing nurse burnout and improving job satisfaction, which ultimately leads to better patient care. Stress management and resilience training provide nurses with the tools to cope with the demands of the profession, while leadership training creates a supportive work environment that fosters well-being among staff. Future research should continue to explore the long-term effects of these interventions and their scalability across different healthcare settings. Implementing comprehensive training programs that address both individual and organizational factors may be key to mitigating nurse burnout and enhancing patient care outcomes.
References
Melnyk, B. M., Kelly, S. A., Stephens, J., Dhakal, K., McGovern, C., Tucker, S.,… & Bird, S. B. (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.
Van der Heijden, B. I., Mulder, R. H., König, C., Anselmann, V., & Rijk, A. E. (2019). Toward a mediation model for nurses’ well-being and psychological distress effects of quality of leadership and social support at work. Medicine, 98(15).