Defense Date

7-17-2025

Graduation Date

Summer 8-8-2025

Submission Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

School

School of Nursing

Faculty Mentor

Mary C. Loughran

Keywords

joy and meaning in work, healthy work environment, military nursing

Abstract

Background: Prior to the pandemic, there was growing concern regarding nurse burnout and retention – concern which still exists today in healthcare organizations. Purpose and happiness in work ensures staff engagement, positive patient outcomes, improves nurses’ well-being, and decreases burnout. The Institute of Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) Quadruple Aim emphasizes improving the work life and well-being of healthcare teams. IHI’s white paper, Joy in Work, outlines nine components to guide interventions for enhancing joy and meaningful work. Purpose: This project’s purpose is to determine the impact of implementation of the Joy in Work’s framework on registered nurses and nursing leadership at a military treatment facility (MTF) by measuring pre- and post-implementation scores using the Meaning and Joy in Work Questionnaire (MJWQ). Methodology: The validated MJWQ was administered pre- and post-intervention, to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Staff participated in the IHI’s “What Matters Most” and “Pebbles in the Shoe” processes which defined both areas that negatively impacted work environment and developed a quality improvement project. Conclusion: The Joy in Work framework facilitated the identification and implementation of an intervention that improved teamwork and communication, key factors to enhance their work environment’s joy and meaning. Implications: The IHI’s framework offers innovative strategies for leaders to: foster joy and meaningful work; support nurse retention, well-being, and engagement; avoid burnout; and improve patient outcomes. Leaders who adopt this framework can positively impact nurses’ joy and meaningful work at the individual and unit level.

Keywords: joy and meaning in work, healthy work environment, military nursing

Language

English

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