Incorporating a Mindfulness Program in a Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Abstract

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) activities have been shown to have psychological benefits. Studies have identified increased perceived levels of stress in graduate students; however, this is not specific to graduate nursing students. There is very little data on the use of MBSR as a nonpharmacologic tool to decrease stress levels in graduate nurse practitioner students. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if the implementation of MBSR improves the overall perceived stress of graduate nursing students. The pilot MBSR program covered topics such as different forms of mindfulness meditation practice, mindful awareness during yoga postures, and mindfulness during stressful situations. Perceived stress scores mean for the sample (n = 25) was elevated at 26 (+4) indicating moderate stress prior to the MBSR training and significantly decreased post 14-week MBSR training (+6) (p < .05). This finding suggests that the MBSR activities have contributed to the overall reduction in stress in these students. The graduate family nurse practitioner students are now familiar with the benefits of MBSR and can share this practice with their patients. Having this skill as a part of their clinical tool kit and practice will allow them to apply this to patient care and subsequently provide holistic care.

Keywords: advanced practice; education; mindfulness.