An Online Mindfulness-based Intervention for Certified Nursing Assistants in Long-term Care

Purpose: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) make up the largest segment of the long-term care (LTC) setting workforce, however, they are at high risk of job dissatisfaction and burnout. Evidence suggests that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) might be particularly relevant and useful for CNAs in reducing psychological distress, improving job satisfaction, and reducing burnout, but little research has investigated this possibility. A feasibility study of an online MBI for CNAs in LTC settings was therefore conducted. Methods: CNAs completed assessments at baseline and posttest. Paired t-tests assessed changes in mindfulness, psychological distress (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms, and stress), and professional quality of life. Results: Of the 19 CNAs who started the intervention, N = 13 (68%) completed it and provided postintervention data. Depressive symptoms were significantly decreased postintervention (F = 6.26, p = .036, d = .47). Conclusions: MBIs may have beneficial effects for CNAs in LTC settings. Further research with a larger CNA population will increase the power and relevance of these findings, ultimately contributing to the improvement of patient outcomes in LTC.