Date of Award
Fall 12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
December 2025
College Granting Degree
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Beth King
Abstract
Work-related stress significantly impacts the well-being of healthcare providers, specifically nurses and nurse practitioners, in addiction treatment facilities. This Quality Improvement (QI) project implemented the HeartMath Quick Coherence Technique to reduce stress and enhance resilience among staff, thereby improving the well-being of healthcare providers and the quality of care. The project utilized a pre- and post-intervention design with five participants, two registered nurses, and three nurse practitioners. Participants received training on HeartMath techniques, the EmWave Pro sensor, and the InnerBalance smartphone application. Over a six-week period, participants practiced Quick Coherence meditation for five minutes, twice daily, to achieve heart rate variability (HRV) coherence. Outcome measures included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and average HRV coherence rates. Comparing baseline data Week 1 to Week 6, participants demonstrated a 24.5% improvement in average HRV coherence. Additionally, pre- and post-intervention surveys revealed an 11% decrease in perceived stress scores. Results indicated that HeartMath meditation techniques are an effective, low-cost intervention for stress reduction. Organizational prioritization of such brief, scalable interventions is essential for fostering a healthy work environment and supporting staff well-being.
Recommended Citation
Ruiz, Dihana C., "HEARTMATH: A STRESS REDUCTION PROGRAM FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN AN ADDICTION TREATMENT SETTING" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 164.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/164