Using Virtual Reality to Improve Nurses Response to Stressful Situations in the Clinical Environment

This study examines the use of an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience to reduce burnout by building nurses' confidence and skill to deal with stressful situations at work.

Stress and burnout are linked to higher turnover and nurses leaving the profession. During the study, nurses engaged in a stressful workplace scenario, learned about mindfulness, and practiced relaxation using a VR headset.

A prospective, quantitative, intervention design measured perceived knowledge, confidence, and stress levels and system usability. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and descriptive frequencies were used.

Of the 85 nurse participants, there was a significant difference between the preactivity and postactivity confidence, perceived knowledge about managing stress at work, and their stress levels. Findings demonstrated an acceptable usability level.

The study demonstrates a significant impact from VR technology on nurse wellness. VR is an efficient/effective activity to implement and is easily replicated across healthcare settings.