Implementing a Mindfulness Bundle to Reduce Stress and Intention to Leave Among Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Staff

Purpose: This project includes implementing a mindfulness bundle to decrease stress levels, intention to leave, and call-ins by 10% for the nurses and patient care assistants working in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU). Background: Burnout and stress among NICU staff contribute to increased turnover and call-ins, negatively impacting patient care and workforce retention. This project was implemented in a large Houston healthcare facility to provide NICU staff with stress-relief techniques. Methods: The project provided mindfulness education and introduced serenity room interventions to 41 staff members. The serenity room was created by redecorating and adding relaxation tools. Mindfulness and serenity room surveys were administered at baseline, one month, and three months to assess bundle use, stress levels using the Perceived Stress Scale, and intention to leave. Metrics tracked included serenity room attendance, call-in rates, and percentage changes in key outcomes. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were used to increase staff participation. Results: The mindfulness bundle reduced stress by 11.51%, intention to leave by 31.69%, and call-ins by 23.19%. PDSA cycles increased serenity room attendance from zero to 12 weekly participants and improved serenity room survey compliance. Implication: Through implementation, staff members have access to mindfulness tools to de-stress, thereby improving well-being and staff retention. Future initiatives should integrate mindfulness into staff training and expand into other units.