Perception on the mind-nurse program among nursing students: A descriptive qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Nursing undergraduates are susceptible to stress from academic and clinical matters. We developed the MIND-NURSE program for nursing students.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore students' perceptions towards the program.

METHODS

This was a descriptive qualitative study. A convenience sampling was used to recruit nursing undergraduates from a university in Singapore. Participants attended the eight-week MIND-NURSE program. Each session comprised two components: Education and mindfulness practice. Three focus group interviews were conducted after completion of the program, using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes and subthemes.

RESULTS

Twenty students participated in the study. Overall, they reacted positively to the MIND-NURSE program, albeit some concerns raised regarding the mindfulness practice. Six themes were derived from the data including: a) enhanced awareness of the present moment; b) increased serenity through mindfulness practice; c) triad of thoughts, emotion and behaviors; d) working towards interpersonal mindfulness; e) adapting mindfulness into nursing practice; and f) overcoming the challenges for mindfulness practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Mindfulness benefited the students in personal and professional ways. More research should be conducted to implement the program on nursing students in other universities.