Date of Award
Spring 2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
College
College of Science and Health
First Advisor
Roxanne Spurlark
Abstract
Abstract Background: Full-time outpatient nurse practitioners (NPs) experience chronic stressors to sustain clinical performance during high patient volumes. Chronic stressors can contribute to feelings of burnout and overwhelm. While resilience interventions may address coping skills and psychological health, few have investigated factors such as nutrition among outpatient clinicians. Nutrition may be associated with cognitive focus, emotional stability, and ability to cope with stress. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot qualitative descriptive study was to describe full-time outpatient NPs’ lived experiences with nutrition and perceived relationship between nutrition and clinic resilience. Methodology: Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were collected from a purposive sample of n =8 outpatient NPs. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Coding and mapping was completed iteratively to determine themes using qualitative analysis and coding. Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) Self-Care Commitment Amid Professional Self- Sacrifice, (2) Positive Nutritional Behaviors Support Energy, Focus, and Resilience, (3) Negative Nutritional Behaviors Contribute to Fatigue, Dehydration, and Dysregulation, (4) Patient-Centered Workflows Disrupt Nutritional Self-Care, and (5) Workplace Culture and Employer Support Shape Nutritional Health. Conclusion: Participant narratives described nutrition as both a perceived contributor to and inhibitor of resilience among outpatient NPs. Implications: Clinical and individual approaches to protect mealtime and meal planning may support clinician wellness and perceived resilience.
Copyright
Copyright © 2026 Katrina Giannoni
Recommended Citation
Giannoni, Katrina, "From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Nurse Practitioners’ Lived Experiences of Nutrition and Workplace Resilience" (2026). Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University. 135.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/theses-dissertations/135