A Mindfulness-Based Intervention: Effects on Psychiatric Nurses Well-being and Burnout

Burnout has been shown to negatively affect the physical and emotional health of staff; contribute to rising costs; negatively impact patient satisfaction, worsen patient outcomes, and increase rates of safety events as well as mortality. Some research suggests that the practice of mindfulness could help nurses with burnout, but attrition rates are high due to the time commitment. In recent studies, the use of a 3-min mindfulness practice showed positive results.

This research aimed to determine if a 3-min mindfulness-based intervention can decrease burnout and improve overall well-being in psychiatric nurses.

An online 3-min mindfulness breathing space was used as the intervention. Burnout and well-being were measured prior to the intervention and at 2 weeks post-intervention.

The total sample included 46 psychiatric nurses; for the 16 who completed the pre- and post-well-being instrument, overall well-being increased. There was no difference in burnout scores from pre- to post-intervention.

This is a promising intervention for psychiatric nurses that increases overall feelings of well-being.