The effects of self-compassion training on pre-licensure and graduate nursing students
Jennifer M Ahlquist1, Mary Serowoky1, Andrea N Kwasky1
1McAuley School of Nursing, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, USA.
Background:
Poor mental health and burnout are critical issues facing the nursing workforce. Nurse educators are charged with developing sustainable strategies to support the well-being and mental health of student nurses as they prepare to enter the profession. Self-compassion programs promote positive psychology and wellness of healthcare professionals.
Purpose:
The aim of this research was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a self-compassion program for healthcare professionals in a sample of prelicensure and graduate student nurses.
Method:
The pilot study was conducted in Fall of 2023. A sample of 22 nursing students from a small Catholic university in the Midwest completed the live online Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities program. Program engagement and satisfaction were assessed. Primary outcome measures included self-compassion, mental health, and professional quality of life. Paired samples t-tests and bivariate correlations were used.
Results:
Students found the self-compassion program to be acceptable. The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in total self-compassion score post-program (t(21) = 2.24, p = .018, Cohen's d = 0.478). Non-significant improvements in stress, burnout, and anxiety were noted.
Conclusions:
Self-compassion for Healthcare Communities may be a valuable addition to nursing programs seeking to improve student well-being.
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