Nurse burnout is a well-documented and persistent challenge across healthcare settings, and its impact was acutely felt by the 3rd Floor medical-surgical registered nurses at Kaiser Permanente Roseville. In response to growing concerns, a qualitative survey on burnout was conducted within the unit, with 81 nurses participating. The results were striking — 96% of respondents reported experiencing some level of burnout, ranging from mild to severe.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Assistant Nurse Manager Catherine Morante, MSN, RN, NCCDP, led a quality improvement initiative from May to July 2025 that aimed at alleviating burnout and promoting nurse well-being. The intervention centered on the HeartMath™ Resilience Advantage series, an evidence-based program that incorporates educational and behavioral strategies.

Over a 12-week period, nurses engaged in resilience training that equipped them with practical tools to manage stress, enhance emotional regulation, and improve overall wellness. The initiative yielded promising results, with a 42% improvement observed in select Maslach Burnout Inventory scales among participants. While the post-intervention survey was not statistically significant due to the sample size and non-randomization, the clinical impact was evident through heartfelt feedback from participants, including:  “The program provided me with a way to overcome and tackle difficulties in a way that helps me personally without compromising the wellness of my patient.”

As the well-being of the healthcare workforce continues to face unprecedented challenges, this initiative exemplifies transformational leadership in action. By exploring innovative, resilience-building strategies, the team is helping to create a culture of wellness — one that supports both caregivers and the patients they serve.