Effects of a Brief Mindfulness Intervention on After-Degree Nursing Student Stress.

BACKGROUND: This exploratory study investigated the effectiveness of a shortened version of an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention with a small sample of after-degree nursing students for managing stress during their practicum.

METHOD: A qualitative evaluation design with a purposive criterion sample (n = 5) was used to investigate the impact of a Brief Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR-B) intervention on the experience of stress in after-degree nursing students.

RESULTS: Thematic analysis of participants' narratives resulted in the identification of four categories: (a) hitting a reset button, (b) self-compassion, (c) avoiding a downward spiral, and (d) using an internal coping mechanism. These findings suggested a metatheme of self-awareness involving more efficient and effective detection and management of stress.

CONCLUSION: The positive impact for participants in this study suggests that stress management for after-degree nursing students through the use of an MBSR-B intervention is worthy of nurse educators' consideration. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(3):165-168.].