Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Undergraduate Nursing Students in a University Setting: A Narrative Review

Abstract

(1) Introduction: Undergraduate (UG) nursing students are vulnerable to stress throughout their education, known to result in burnout, with high attrition rates of up to 33%. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that mindfulness-based interventions are effective for the management of anxiety, depression and wellbeing, thereby reducing stress in healthcare provider populations. The aim of this narrative review was to synthesize and provide a critical overview of the current evidence in relation to mindfulness-based interventions for UG nursing students in a university setting. (2) Methods: A review of the literature was conducted in March 2020 and updated in May 2021, utilising the databases CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO. (3) Results: Fifteen studies were included in the review, with three common themes identified: (i) the positive impact of mindfulness on holistic wellbeing, (ii) mindfulness-based techniques as a positive coping mechanism within academic and clinical practice, and (iii) approaches to the delivery of mindfulness-based interventions. (4) Conclusions: Mindfulness-based interventions are effective strategies for the management of stress, development of self-awareness and enhanced academic and clinical performance in undergraduate nursing students. No ideal approach to delivery or duration of these interventions was evident from the literature. Best practice in relation to delivery of mindfulness-based interventions for nursing students is recommended for future studies.

Online-Based MBSR Group Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and Perceived Stress in Scholars Who Work on Undergraduate Thesis

“…Although so far there has been no research that has revealed the effect of MBSR therapy on anxiety in the population of adolescence scholars who works on undergraduate theses, there are several studies that have found that MBSR group therapy is effective in reducing anxiety levels in scholars majoring in nursing and teacher education (Juul et al, 2021;McVeigh et al, 2021). In a longitudinal study by Dundas, Thorsheim, Hjeltnes and Binder (2016), MBSR therapy was also found to be effective in overcoming scholar's anxiety about academic evaluation.…”

“…This therapeutic modality was also found to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in college students. (Juul et al, 2021;McVeigh et al, 2021). Then in a longitudinal study by Dundas, Thorsheim, Hjeltnes, and Binder (2016), MBSR therapy was also found to be effective in overcoming students' anxiety about academic evaluation in lectures.…”

The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Nursing Students’ Stress and Anxiety Levels

“…Mindfulness is a psychological process of focusing attention and acceptance on the present. Mindfulness meditation interventions are evidence-based psychoeducation programs (McVeigh et al, 2021). Practitioners are instructed to focus attention on one's breath using simple breathing techniques while simultaneously being aware of any internal and external stimuli (Burger & Lockhart, 2017).…”

“…Studies have revealed that nursing students face the same academic concerns as their peers in other disciplines as well as the stress of clinical training (McVeigh et al, 2021). Students in clinical settings often feel they lack knowledge and skills and fear they will make errors and be unable to handle emergency situations (McVeigh et al, 2021). It is important to note that some nursing students actively work in clinical settings where they must contend with the added stress of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19; Edfort & Rux, 2020).…”

“…A lthough numerous college students experience anxiety that affects their academic work, nursing students experience greater amounts of stress and anxiety than the average college student (Lavoie-Tremblay et al, 2021). Studies have revealed that nursing students face the same academic concerns as their peers in other disciplines as well as the stress of clinical training (McVeigh et al, 2021). Students in clinical settings often feel they lack knowledge and skills and fear they will make errors and be unable to handle emergency situations (McVeigh et al, 2021).…”