Mindfulness-based stress reduction: an intervention to enhance the effectiveness of nurses' coping with work-related stress

Int J Nurs Knowl. 2014 Jun;25(2):119-30. doi: 10.1111/2047-3095.12025. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Abstract

Purpose: This critical literature review explored the current state of the science regarding mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as a potential intervention to improve the ability of nurses to effectively cope with stress.

Methods: Literature sources include searches from EBSCOhost, Gale PowerSearch, ProQuest, PubMed Medline, Google Scholar, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, and reference lists from relevant articles.

Findings: Empirical evidence regarding utilizing MBSR with nurses and other healthcare professionals suggests several positive benefits including decreased stress, burnout, and anxiety; and increased empathy, focus, and mood.

Conclusions: Nurse use of MBSR may be a key intervention to help improve nurses' ability to cope with stress and ultimately improve the quality of patient care provided.

Keywords: Mindfulness-based stress reduction; nurse; stress.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Humans
  • Mindfulness*
  • Nursing Staff / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology