Publication Date

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Robin L. Whitney

Keywords

Ambulatory Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Nurse Burnout, Nurse Wellness, Resilience

Abstract

Burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional exhaustion remain significant concerns among oncology staff in high-demand ambulatory settings. This quality improvement project implemented the Caritas Literacy and Resilience Training Program (CLARITY), a microlearning-based intervention grounded in Watson’s Caring Science Theory, to support self-caring behaviors and emotional resilience among oncology staff in an ambulatory cancer center. A quasi-experimental, mixed-methods design was used, incorporating pre- and post-intervention survey data and qualitative focus group feedback. Quantitative outcomes were assessed using the Watson Caritas Self-Rating Score (WCSR) and post-intervention ratings of perceived effectiveness of the microlearning format. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine pre-post change among matched responses. Although domain-level changes did not reach statistical significance, mean scores increased across all WCSR domains, with the strongest pattern observed in kindness toward self. Post-intervention ratings indicated high perceived effectiveness of the microlearning format. Qualitative findings further supported these results, with themes of increased self-compassion, intentional pausing, reframing productivity, improved self-talk, and emotional awareness. Overall, findings suggest that CLARITY was feasible, well received, and directionally aligned with strengthening inward-facing caring practices. These results support continued refinement and future evaluation of Caritas-based microlearning as a practical wellness strategy for ambulatory oncology staff.

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