An Asynchronous Evidence-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Professional Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Health and Wellness

Background:

• Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, experience high levels of stress.
• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise in mitigating stress and improving mental well-being.
• Accessible and flexible interventions are needed to support nurses' mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a brief, 4-week, asynchronous mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for nurses.
• To measure changes in nurses' perceived stress levels.
• To evaluate the impact on nurses' mindful attention and awareness.

Main Methods:

• A pilot quality improvement program involving 15 nurses.
• A 4-week asynchronous MBI including a webinar, guided meditations, and informal practice materials.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS).

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements in mean Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) scores (p = .004).
• Significant decrease in cumulative Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores (p = .009).
• Positive reception of the asynchronous, remote delivery format by participants.

Conclusions:

• The 4-week MBI effectively reduced perceived stress and enhanced mindful attention and awareness in nurses.
• An asynchronous, remote MBI is a feasible and well-received format for supporting nurses' mental health.
• This Doctor of Nursing Practice project highlights a practical MBI model for future implementation.