Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Joyce P. Miller, DNP, RN

Second Advisor

Katherine Martin, Ph.D., APRN, CNM

Third Advisor

Kristin McHale, DNP, RN

Abstract

Occupational stress is an undeniable situation for nurses working in a progressive care unit in Midwest hospitals. Nurses experience much uncertainty and unpredictable healthcare situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a heavy patient-to-nurse workload, long work hours, and conflicts with intra and inter-disciplinary teams. Nurses’ uncontrolled long-term occupational stress increases the risk of adverse health outcomes such as hypertension, heart attack, or stroke. Therefore, self-care is necessary for nurses to reduce stress and maintain health, and well-being. An acupressure therapy used as a self-care practice has been proven to effectively reduce stress and other ailments. This therapy is an easy and powerful way of shifting stress and balancing energy in the body with gentle pressure on acupoints by using hand techniques. Thus, an acupressure therapy training program for nurses with the guidance from Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring needs to be established in the progressive care unit at the Midwest hospital. An educational module for acupressure therapy training formatted consisting of a PowerPoint presentation and video training for nurses is proposed in this project. This educational module will teach nurses about the dangers of occupational stress, the importance of self- care, and the benefits of acupressure therapy utilizing Watson’s Caritas Processes. Pre and post assessment tools will be used to evaluate the nurses’ perceived stress, their improvement in awareness of self-care and using self-administered acupressure therapy. The future plans include implementing the acupressure therapy training program at the progressive care unit and integrating this therapy into nursing practice.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2022.Hlaing.T

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