Diffusing Essential Oils and the Effect on Staff Stress Levels

Principal Investigator: Joyce Barnes, RNC

Sub-Investigators: Lynn Colberg, MSN, RNC-NIC; Nancy Ritter, MSN, RN-BC

Institution: Genesis Health System

Location: Genesis Medical Center 1401 West Central ParkDavenport, IA 52804

Our Journey

Started with an idea, a question, an interest

The question: Would the effects of lavender essential oil decrease the stress levels of RN’s working on the medical/pulmonary unit?

The To-Do ListLiterature Review

Vanderbilt Study

Study of Nurses in China

NIH Research Training Course

Presentation to the IRB

Study Protocol

The List Continued

Research Application

Email Recruitment

Informed Consent

Perceived Stress QuestionnaireDocumented as Valid and Reliable

Effects of Stress

Occupational Hazard

Estimated to cost billions.

Solving stress related problems of nursing staff is an urgent issue

How Essential Oils Affect Mood

Inhaled molecules interact with the olfactory nerves and limbic system

The limbic system is connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, memory, stress and other emotions

Personal Diffusers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mCthmbkxcA&feature=player_detailpage

Diffuser and Signage

2. In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things at work3. In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and “stressed”?

10. In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high that you could not overcome them

6. In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with all the things that you had to do?

Perceived Stress QuestionnaireTotal of 13 questions, two demographic

and one asking if the respondent had an impaired sense of smell

Staff

Education at huddles and consents obtained

Pre and Post survey monkey

Likert Scale 0=Never

1=Almost Never

2=Sometimes

3=Fairly Often

4=Very Often

In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and "stressed" at work?Pre-Survey Post Survey

In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high at work that you could not overcome them?

Pre-Survey Post Survey

In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with all the things that you had to do at work?

Pre-Survey Post Survey

In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things at work?Pre-Survey Post Survey

References Chen MC., Fang SH., Fang L. The effects of aromatherapy in relieving

symptoms related to job stress among nurses. International Journal of Nursing Practice. 2013: 1-7.

Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., and Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 24: 386-396.

Hospitals using essential oils to boost productivity and health. Guardian Liberty Voice Web site. http://guardianlv.com/2013/07/hospitals-using-essential-oils-to-boost-productivity-and-health-video/ Published July 9, 2013. Accessed October 29, 2014.

McBride, T. Wellness in the Workplace: Adressing workplace stress using essential oils

Pemberton E, Turpin PG. The effect of essential oils on work-related stress in intensive care unit nurses. Holist Nurs Pract. 2008 Mar-Apr;22(2):97-102.