Date of Award

Spring 5-23-2020

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Sharon Boothe-Kepple, PhD, MSN, FNP-C, PHN

Abstract

This evidence-based pilot (EBP) project was implemented to decrease stress among employees who work in a financial-based occupational health setting. According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in America online survey, 64% of survey-respondents reported that work is a significant source of stress (2018). Mindfulness meditation is a spiritual practice that helps a person acknowledge how to experience emotions and events without judgment (Luken & Sammons, 2016). A mobile app-guided mindfulness program could reduce perceived stress and increase mindfulness levels. These practices might improve work productivity, decision-making skills, organizational relationships, self-care, and perspective taking development (Jayawardene, Lohrmann, Erbe, & Torabi, 2017). Thirty-five participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Each participant received a 30-day free trial of a mindfulness mobile app called Calm. Participants completed a pre-intervention perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and mindfulness attention awareness scale (MAAS-15) surveys prior to the program launch. Each participant completed a 10- to 15-minute mindfulness session for 21 days using the Calm app.

After the 21 days, 19 participants completed the post-survey PSS-10, MAAS-15, and Calm feasibility questionnaire. Results showed a cumulative decreased PSS-10 score and an increased MAAS-15 score. All 19 participants would recommend this app to others. Over 80% experienced no problems using the app and more than half of them believed the app helped their work productivity. The Calm app was a free benefit and the cost-benefit-analysis showed a 1,823% return on investment. Implementing a mindfulness mobile app in an occupational health setting could decrease stress and increase mindfulness.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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