Author: Freeman RC Jr1, Sukuan N1, Tota NM1,2, Bell SM1, Harris AG1,3, Wang HL1,4
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital.
<sup>2</sup>Perry Point VA Medical Center-VA Maryland Health Care System.
<sup>3</sup>Milwaukee VA Medical Center.
<sup>4</sup>University of South Florida.
Conference/Journal: Workplace Health Saf.
Date published: 2019 Sep 20
Other:
Volume ID: 2165079919874795 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/2165079919874795. [Epub ahead of print] , Word Count: 172
Background: Employees in the Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital experience psychological stress from caring for vulnerable veteran populations. Evidence suggests that mindfulness meditation decreases stress in health care employees and military personnel. The purpose of this worksite program was to explore the acceptability of a mindfulness meditation program among VA workers. Methods: Chaplain residents developed the "Promoting Spiritual Healing by Stress Reduction Through Meditation" (Spiritual Meditation) program for employees in a VA hospital. To evaluate acceptability, a 13-multiple-choice-item survey with an open-ended question was administered after the intervention. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were performed. Findings: In 29 participants, 70% to 100% agreed with positive statements for the personal learning experience, program components, teacher quality, time to practice, and place to practice. Two categories emerged from qualitative responses: "positive practical experience of Spiritual Meditation" and "perceived values from Spiritual Meditation." Conclusion/Application to Practice: Occupational health nurses are uniquely positioned to lead and collaborate with chaplains to deliver Spiritual Meditation in their workplace setting.
KEYWORDS: VA employee; acceptability; meditation; program evaluation; spiritual healing
PMID: 31540567 DOI: 10.1177/2165079919874795