Feasibility and impact of a group wellness intervention for nursing faculty: A mixed-methods study of mindset, connection, and culture

Abstract

Background and objective Nursing faculty experience high levels of stress and burnout, yet few wellness interventions tailored to this population have been evaluated. This study examined the feasibility and impact of an 8-week group stretching program on burnout, physical activity, and well-being among academic nursing faculty.

Methods Twenty-one faculty at Nevada State University completed pre-intervention surveys, with 12 completed post-intervention surveys. A mixed-methods design included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and open-ended qualitative questions. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests assessed quantitative changes; thematic analysis examined qualitative data.

Results Quantitative analyses showed no significant changes in burnout or physical activity. Qualitative findings revealed reductions in perceived stress, enhanced mindfulness, improved job satisfaction, and strengthened social connection.

Conclusions Brief, group-based wellness activities foster psychological and social benefits that may precede measurable reductions in burnout. Integrating such interventions into faculty workdays can promote resilience and well-being despite time constraints.

Keywords

Mindfulness / Nursing faculty / Physical activity / Professional burnout / Workplace wellness programs

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