On the Restorative Break: Understanding the Role of Break Room Design on Nurse Engagement and Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare organizations need to attract and retain qualified nurses, and break areas may influence nurse engagement with breaks, but this has not been studied in situ. The goal of this study was to understand nurse perception of breaks and ways building design and culture impact the frequency, duration, and location of nurse breaks.

METHODS: This was Part 1 of a two-part study. Mixed-method approaches included on-site behavior mapping, focus groups, online survey, and break room usage rates analysis.

FINDINGS: In this study, nurses did not take restorative breaks but focused on quick "bio" breaks in rooms nearest the central nurse station. When nurses left care floors, they preferred the cafeteria and outdoor eating spaces.

CONCLUSION: Nurses' proclivity to minimize restorative breaks remains a major organizational concern. Future studies should investigate leadership activities impacting nurses' perception of shifts and break-taking behavior.

APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: By optimizing the break setting and changing the cultural perspective of breaks, occupational health services and healthcare management can support nurses' engagement in restorative activities.