Author: Pipe TB, Bortz JJ, Dueck A, Pendergast D, Buchda V, Summers J.
Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry/Psychology, Section of Biostatistics, Division of Nursing, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Hospital, 5777 E Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA. pipe.teri@mayo.edu
Conference/Journal: J Nurs Adm
Date published: 2009 Mar
Other:
Volume ID: 39 , Issue ID: 3 , Pages: 130-7 , Word Count: 156
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to rigorously evaluate a brief stress management intervention for nurse leaders. BACKGROUND: Despite the nursing shortage, evidence-based workplace approaches addressing nurse stress have not been well studied. METHODS: Nurse leaders (n = 33) were randomly assigned to brief mindfulness meditation course (MMC) or leadership course (control). Self-report measures of stress were administered at baseline and within 1 week of course completion. RESULTS: Among MMC participants, change scores (from baseline to postintervention) on several subscales of the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised showed significantly more improvement in self-reported stress symptoms relative to controls. Mindfulness meditation course participants had significantly more improvement in Positive Symptom Distress Index (P = 0.010; confidence interval [CI] = -0.483 to -0.073) and Global Severity Index (P = 0.019; CI = -0.475 to -0.046) and nearly significantly more improvement in Positive Symptom Total (P = 0.066; CI = -16.66 to 0.581) compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Results support preliminary effectiveness of a 4-week MMC in reducing self-reported stress symptoms among nursing leaders.