A Mindfulness-Based Intervention: Effects on Psychiatric Nurses Well-being and Burnout.
Elizabeth Gianella, Rebecca A Owens, Mary T Quinn Griffin, Joyce J Fitzpatrick
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association May 22, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/10783903251341548 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 3-minute mindfulness breathing space intervention was tested with 46 psychiatric nurses to see if it could reduce burnout and improve well-being. Burnout and well-being were measured before and two weeks after the intervention. Among the 16 nurses who completed both well-being assessments, overall well-being increased. There was no difference in burnout scores from before to after the intervention. The brief practice shows promise for improving well-being without the time demands of longer mindfulness programs.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Pre-post intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 46 |
| Population | Psychiatric nurses |
| Intervention | 3-min mindfulness breathing space |
| Duration | 2-week follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Mindfulness-based intervention Psychiatric nurses Mindfulness intervention mindfulness Short mindfulness practice Brief pause |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | A 3-minute mindfulness breathing space increased overall well-being but did not change burnout scores among psychiatric nurses. |
Abstract
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.