Author: Catherine Aquino-Russell1, Jennifer I Bonamer2, Susan Hartranft3, Mary Kutash4, Ayesha Johnson5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> University of New Brunswick.
<sup>2</sup> Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
<sup>3</sup> Moffitt Cancer Center.
<sup>4</sup> Tampa General Hospital.
<sup>5</sup> University of South Florida.
Conference/Journal: J Holist Nurs
Date published: 2024 Jul 26
Other:
Pages: 8980101241262922 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/08980101241262922. , Word Count: 220
Purpose of Study: Given the enormity of the most recent challenges to clinician well-being, intensified by the pandemic, we decided to explore the influence of Transcendental Meditation® (TM)® on the well-being of clinical nurses. The purpose of our study was to use qualitative analysis to enhance our understanding of the experiences of clinical nurses who practiced TM, as viewed through the lens of our conceptual model and Watson's holistic unitary caring science theory. Design and Method: This qualitative study involved a thematic analysis of clinical nurses' written descriptions following the completion of the TM program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: The nurse participants shared their experiences with the practice of TM as creating present moment focus, leading to enhanced self-care, and development of authentic presence with others. The overall theme uncovered in the analysis is that authentic presence is veritas (truth) in knowing, being, doing, and becoming. Conclusions: The findings were congruent with Watson's unitary caring science theory and provided illumination of the holistic value of TM as a self-care strategy for supporting nurses' well-being with the goal of retaining nurses in practice. When nurses care for themselves, they are more likely and able to care for others, thus helping them to enjoy their nursing careers.
Keywords: authentic presence; clinical nurses; present moment awareness; self-care; transcendental meditation; well-being.
PMID: 39056169 DOI: 10.1177/08980101241262922