The purpose of this clinical study is to compare the use of an essential oil inhalation patch in medical surgical nurses on perceived burn-out and stress. The main question is can essential oil inhalation patches decrease perceived burn-out and stress. Participants will * Take part in the study over 30 days, alternating weeks, resulting in each participant using six patches over six shifts. * Complete anonymous Perceived Stress Survey (PSS) before the study begins and at the conclusion of the study. * Participants will also complete a (different) survey after two weeks.
Essential Oil inhalation patches are a nonpharmacological option that is worn by the nursing staff on an inpatient medical-surgical unit to determine the efficacy of patch on staff perceived stress \& burn-out levels. Each participant will wear a new patch during six work shifts. Location is on chest or the ID badge area where it can be easily accessed to. The patch provides up to 8 hours of aromatic support. The patches use a unique patented technology that slows the release of the aromatic molecules while maintaining the purity and vitality of the essential oil. The FDA approved medical adhesive patches are roughly 1x1" in size, and are inhalation only- no contact of essential oils on skin. The patch is portable and discreet. No overwhelming aroma for others. The patch has directions for use on package with an expiration date. Used for a non-specific purpose for stress reduction environment for this study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Each participant will wear a patch for a work week (3 worked shifts) and then no patch is worn for a week. This alternates for a total of a month.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States
Change in baseline perceived stress as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale
Scores are measured on 0-4 scale with 0 indicating never and higher scores are more frequent.
Time frame: 4 weeks
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