Low-Cost Wellness Interventions to Reduce Nurse Stress on a High-Acuity Unit

Authors

• Alaina Capoccia, Corewell Health East
• Sarah Eib, Corewell Health East
• Heather Gutpell, Corewell Health East
• Danielle Saleh, Corewell Health East
• Kathleen Bajorek, Corewell Health East

Files

Keywords

high acuity units, burnout, compassion fatigue, mental exhaustion

Disciplines

Nursing

Description

• Nurses working in high acuity units experience high-pressure environments leading to burnout, compassion fatigue, and mental exhaustion.
• Several non-pharmacological interventions are available for reducing stress among nurses,includinggroup coloring, aromatherapy, and guided breathing using wellness applications.

❑ Group coloring therapy fosters relaxation and mindfulness promoting lower stress levels.

❑ Aromatherapy oils such as lavender and bergamot are shown to effectively reduce work-related stress.

❑ Guided breathing using wellness applications support stress management without significantly disrupting workflow.

• Simple, accessible, and integrative approaches can play a meaningful role in promoting nurses’ well-being.
• The purpose of this project was to determine the impact implementing a Zen basket has on perceived stress level and increased job satisfaction over a 2-week period.

Publication Date

5-6-2026

Recommended Citation

Capoccia A, Eib S, Gutpell H, Saleh D, Bajorek K. Low-cost wellness interventions to reduce nurse stress on a high-acuity unit. Presented at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital; 2026 May 6-12; Royal Oak, MI.

Comments

Nurses Week at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, May 6-12, 2026.