Mindfulness really does work for nurses, according to a review led by Laurence Guillaumie PhD. Work-related stress among nurses is estimated to be the biggest occupational health problem after musculoskeletal disorders.

The study, A mixed-methods systematic review of the effects of mindfulness on nurses, reviewed 32 studies published between 1980 and 2014, including 17 controlled designs, 11 pre–post designs and 4 qualitative designs.

Meta-analysis suggests that mindfulness-based interventions may be effective in significantly reducing states of anxiety and depression. Qualitative studies and controlled studies found improvements in the well-being of individuals and in performance at work, meaning that nurses who are mindful have inner calmness, awareness and enthusiasm, as well as better communication and higher sensitivity to patients’ experiences.

The study concluded that mindfulness appeared to improve nurses’ mental health significantly and could be used in worksite health promotion programs.

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