Date of Award
Summer 2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
College
College of Science and Health
First Advisor
Roxanne Spurlark
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular (CV) nurses are predisposed to burnout due to complexity of patients, workplace demands and psychosocial stressors. The need for specialized CV nurses is greater than ever. While much of the current literature analyzes maladaptive coping, there is little known regarding promotion of adaptive coping. Objective: To analyze coping strategies and experience of CV nurses to create a framework for nursing leadership to promote resilience and mitigate burnout. Theory: This study utilized The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and the Job Demands-Resources Model (JD-R). Methods: We conducted a two-phase study on inpatient CV nurses. Phase 1 (n=21) entailed participants’ completion of the Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form (CSI-SF). Phase 2 (n=8) included a semi-structured interview, probing participants on coping,organizational, and nursing leadership. Results: No statistically significant correlation between demographic information and coping type were found. Common themes identified related to workplace stressors and coping included operational strain, leadership presence, peer support and connection, onboarding optimization for success and self-adaptation for resilience. Conclusions: Adaptive coping promotes CV nurse resilience, workforce retention, and reduces burnout. CV nurses seek resilience from leadership resources and within. CV nurse leaders foster this through clear communication and facilitation of a safe, positive work environment.
Copyright
Copyright © 2026
Recommended Citation
McCullough, Alison Elizabeth, "Adapting Healthy Coping in Cardiovascular Nurses to Promote Resilience and Mitigate Burnout" (2026). Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University. 108.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/theses-dissertations/108