A Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Nurses: Rationale, Theoretical Framework, and Development

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Nursing is a demanding profession with constant stressors, which makes nurses vulnerable to the detrimental effects of high stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue. There is a need for a multidimensional group intervention facilitated by a licensed mental health professional to improve mental health and well-being in nurses. An intervention called RISE, which is an acronym for resilience, insight, self-compassion, and empowerment, was developed to promote self-care, protect against burnout, and improve indicators of well-being among nurses. We explain the rationale, theoretical framework, and development of RISE. METHODS RISE is based on an integrative theoretical framework of mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It consists of eight psychoeducational group sessions with topics related to the four RISE themes of resilience, insight, self-compassion, and empowerment. RESULTS RISE is a contribution to the literature on well-being interventions for nurses. It will further the understanding of effective interventions to mediate the detrimental effects of stress and burnout in nursing and to improve the mental health and well-being of nurses amid the complex interplay of factors at the individual, unit, and organizational levels. CONCLUSIONS As an approach that combines education with therapeutic process and support to improve coping and well-being inside and outside of the workplace, RISE addresses the underlying causes and effects of high stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.