Meal Break Pilot Program: Created by Staff Nurses to Improve Job Satisfaction

Purpose:

In 2009 staff nurses reported that when working 8 hours or more 60% did not take a meal break and 33% took ≤20 minutes. In 2008 they reported that 33% did not take a meal break and 56% took ≤30 minutes. The purpose of this strategy is to pilot a program that allows nurses to take a meal break.

Significance:

Many nurses feel that if they take a break they will burden a coworker who is covering their patients. Literature shows that lack of breaks and fatigue negatively impact job satisfaction, performance and health. Fatigue and lack of breaks have been linked to increased rate of burnout and errors.

Strategy and Implementation:

The Unit Planning Council reviewed the unit's NDNQI RN satisfaction results with the Nurse Manager and focused on meal breaks as an actionable item needing improvement. The UPC performed a needs assessment and decided to create a formal program allowing nurses to take a meal break. Council members wrote a letter to staff explaining the NDNQI results. They subsequently created a survey which was administered to nurses inquiring whether or not they would like to pilot the meal break program. The Unit Planning Council reviewed survey results which showed that 86% of nurses were in favor of piloting the program. Council members implemented the program in April, 2010. Strict guidelines were developed including exactly how the program would work and what the responsibilities would be of the nurses participating. These guidelines were reviewed with staff prior to the start date. Ongoing support was provided by council members throughout the trial period for staff who had questions/concerns.

Evaluation:

The UPC continues to evaluate this program. They created a survey for staff to complete after a 2 month trial which will inquire about satisfaction with the program, job satisfaction and suggestions for improvement. They will review results with the manager to make improvements based on feedback.

Implications for Practice:

Nurses who take meal breaks will likely have improved job satisfaction, less fatigue, and lower burnout rates. Allowing nurses a meal break free of responsibilities could help decrease turnover rates, burnout and errors. Research could be performed to directly link breaks and job satisfaction.