title: A brief mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for nurses and nurse aides.
abstract: Whereas the causes and negative consequences of stress among nurses are well known, less is known about effective ways to reduce or prevent this growing problem. Mindfulness-based stress reduction programs are proving to be effective in reducing stress and improving health in a variety of clinical populations. A smaller body of evidence suggests that these programs are also effective for nonclinical populations at risk for stress-related health problems. This study involved the development and evaluation of a brief 4-week mindfulness intervention for one such group-nurses and nurse aides. In comparison with 14 wait-list control participants, 16 participants in the mindfulness intervention experienced significant improvements in burnout symptoms, relaxation, and life satisfaction. The results of this pilot study, together with a natural fit between mindfulness philosophy and nursing practice theory, suggest that mindfulness training is a promising method for helping those in the nursing profession manage stress, even when provided in a brief format.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult Education and Counselling Psychology, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1V6. cmackenzie@oise.utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Corey S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Poulin
authors.forename: Rhonda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Seidman-Carlson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D016272:Occupational Health; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000193:education*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires