Exploring the Role of Embedded Resilience Training in a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Psychological Resilience
• Graduate Studies

Background:

• Graduate nursing students experience significant stress from balancing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities.
• This stress can negatively impact academic success and overall well-being.
• There is a recognized need for interventions to support this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the integration of Community Resiliency Model (CRM) training within a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
• To assess the perceived need and utility of resilience training for DNP students.
• To measure changes in student resilience, burnout, and posttraumatic growth.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative pre/post design was employed.
• Surveys with open-ended questions and validated instruments were administered before and after the CRM training.
• Ninety-eight DNP students participated in the study.

Main Results:

• The CRM training was rated as high quality (95%) by participants.
• A majority of students (85%) reported continued use of learned resilience skills.
• No statistically significant differences were found in resilience, burnout, or posttraumatic growth scores post-training.
• All participants recommended resilience training for DNP programs.

Conclusions:

• Resilience training, such as the CRM, is perceived as beneficial by DNP students.
• A comprehensive approach supporting graduate nursing students should incorporate resilience-building strategies.
• While direct statistical impact on measured outcomes was not found, the perceived value and skill utilization suggest potential benefits.