EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE PROJECT REPORT Submitted to the School of Nursing and Health Professions of Colorado Christian University Lakewood, Colorado in partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE Abstract The work of a registered nurse can be rewarding. However, nurses may experience burnout because of long hours, challenging patient situations, and a potential lack of teamwork and communication. The literature review showed that 15-40% of nurses experience burnout each year (Well-Being Index, 2018). Burnout can lead to nurses leaving their current positions or potentially leaving the nursing profession altogether. Resiliency training and support can counteract burnout and increase staff retention. A resiliency toolkit to help decrease burnout was implemented with 10 nurses on a medical-surgical unit in a mid-size acute care hospital. The toolkit contained six tools utilized over 5 weeks. The tools included mandalas (coloring sheets), a stress ball, bubbles, exercises, You Matter encouragement, and a journal with weekly prompts. Three survey tools were deployed to assess resiliency, burnout, and areas of work life. The most favored tool in the toolkit was the mandalas. Participants felt more relaxed yet more productive. The least beneficial tool was the bubbles. A two-tailed paired samples t-test showed a decrease in Maslach Burnout Inventory emotional exhaustion. Significant correlations between several variables were found with Pearson and Spearman correlational coefficient tests. Newer nurses' values were strongly correlated with organizational values. Increased depression at work was strongly correlated with years of experience in the profession. Seasoned nurses demonstrated an increase in adaptation and flexibility, but showed a decrease in coping. Lastly, nurses who hold a higher academic degree (BSN/MSN) demonstrated a decrease in personal accomplishment. This project has uncovered simple tools that will help decrease emotional exhaustion. Keywords resiliency, burnout, toolkit, journaling, mandala, evidenced-based practice, medical-surgical, registered nurse, nurse