Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction programs on Nurses' perceived stress levels

Introduction: Poor quality of care and patient safety, adverse patient outcomes, high rates of burnout and turnover, and increased job dissatisfaction are all linked to uncontrolled stress among nurses. Unmanaged nurse stress can lead to disorganized thinking, decreased ability to focus and concentrate, and can put patients at risk. The purpose of the integrative review was to determine the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program to reduce the perceived stress levels of nurses. Research Methodology: Included was a search of databases using key search terms and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant peer-reviewed articles within the last five years were appraised to identify similarities and differences. This paper discusses the implications of unresolved stress on nurses and patients they care for including quality and safety of patient care, cost of nurse turnover rates related to stress, and poor work efficiency. Results and Discussion: Literature results suggest that implementation of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program leads to a reduction in perceived stress levels among nurses resulting in improved patient outcomes, increased job satisfaction, and reduction of organizational costs associated with the hiring and onboarding process. Conclusions and Further Recommendations: It is the conclusion of this integrative review that implementation of a MBSR program leads to improvements in stress reduction and indirectly positively impacts patient outcomes. It is recommended that organizations implement a formal eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program. MBSR Implementation Resources: There are no conflicts of interest or financial gains for the recommendations for MBSR implementation resources. These resources are solely provided for additional learning and implementation purposes. There are both free resources and for purchase resources available that guides implementation and operationalization of the MBSR program. (c) 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.