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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07241000

Integrated Program to Enhance Professional Identity and Reduce Burnout in Neonatal Nurses

This cluster randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy of an integrated empowerment and narrative nursing (I-ENP) program compared to usual care for neonatal nurses. The study aims to determine if the 6-month I-ENP, which includes empowerment education and narrative nursing sessions, can enhance professional identity, reduce burnout symptoms, and lower turnover intention among neonatal nurses.

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Key information

Conditions

Professional Burnout Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Burnout, Professional Burnout, Psychological Occupational Diseases Occupational Stress Stress, Psychological

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Shijiazhuang Fourth Hospital

Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China

About this study

Neonatal nurses are at high risk for professional burnout and weakened professional identity due to chronic workplace stressors. This study was designed to test a novel, integrated intervention combining empowerment education and narrative nursing practices. Four hospitals (clusters) were randomized to either the intervention or control group. A total of 172 neonatal nurses were included. The intervention group (n=85) participated in a structured 6-month program consisting of four empowerment education modules (covering topics like stress management and communication) and six narrative nursing sessions (involving story sharing and reflective writing). The control group (n=87) received usual care. The primary hypothesis was that the I-ENP group would show significantly greater improvement in professional identity scores compared to the control group at the end of the intervention. Secondary objectives included assessing the program's impact on burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment) and turnover intention. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 9 months to evaluate the sustainability of the effects.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Registered nurses working full-time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of the participating hospitals.
  • At least 1 year of work experience.

Exclusion criteria

  • Nurses on long-term leave (e.g., maternity leave).
  • Nurses in managerial positions.
  • Nurses planning to leave their position during the study period.

Treatment and study plan

Integrated Empowerment and Narrative Nursing Program (I-ENP)

Behavioral

A multi-component program combining empowerment education (modules on professional competence, stress management, effective communication, teamwork) and narrative nursing (sessions for story sharing, reflective writing, and peer support) delivered over 6 months.

Usual Care

Behavioral

Standard hospital-provided support, including routine continuing education and access to employee assistance programs.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Professional Identity Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 Months

    Change from baseline in total score on the Professional Identity Scale for Nurses (PISN). The scale ranges from 30 to 150, with higher scores indicating stronger professional identity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Professional Identity Score at Follow-up

    Time frame: Baseline, 9 Months

    Change from baseline in total score on the Professional Identity Scale for Nurses (PISN).

  2. Change in Burnout: Emotional Exhaustion Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 Months, 9 Months

    Change from baseline in the Emotional Exhaustion subscale score of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Higher scores indicate greater exhaustion.

  3. Change in Burnout: Depersonalization Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 Months, 9 Months

    Change from baseline in the Depersonalization subscale score of the MBI. Higher scores indicate greater depersonalization.

  4. Change in Burnout: Personal Accomplishment Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 Months, 9 Months

    Change from baseline in the Personal Accomplishment subscale score of the MBI. Higher scores indicate a greater sense of personal accomplishment.

  5. Nurse Turnover Intention

    Time frame: 6 Months

    Percentage of nurses reporting serious consideration of leaving their current position in the next 12 months.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Efficacy of an Integrated Empowerment and Narrative Nursing Program on Enhancing Professional Identity and Alleviating Burnout Among Neonatal Nurses: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Nov 21, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 21, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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