Evaluating the Outcomes of a Web-Based Stress Management Program for Nurses and Nursing Assistants

Objective The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the utilization, satisfaction, and effect of a web-based stress management program for nurses and nursing assistants (NAs). Methods This quality improvement project provided BREATHE, a web-based stress management program that consisted of six modules that describe, identify, and help nurses manage stress for 31 nurses and NAs working on a subacute rehabilitation unit at a mid-Atlantic community hospital. Measurements The number of login attempts and time spent on the program were included, as were the nurse stress scale (NSS), a 34-item validated instrument that captures seven dimensions of stress, and a seven-item satisfaction survey given at the end of the modules. Results Nurses utilized and were satisfied with the evidence-based program BREATHE and reported significant improvement in NSS scores. Linking Evidence to Action Findings suggest that BREATHE was effective at reducing the NSS score among nurses and NAs. The web-based nature of the program allowed nurses to engage in it at times most convenient for them, which added to the program's acceptability and overall satisfaction.